February 2018 broad sheep by Broadsheep

BROAD sheep

february 2018

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On - Herefordshire & The Marches

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BROAD The Worlds Most Popular Column

Contents Small Ads Architecture Art Art workshops Cinema Dance Food Music Music workshops Band directory Theatre Word Grass roots Comp therapies

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We take no responsibility for the veracity of the information herein Clare Edwards The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ Tel: 01432 850444

‘M not sure why but I’ve never really taken to ‘Trip Advisor’ with its silly little logo and its pathetic comments. The only time I have ever found it useful was when John and I were cycling John O’Groats to Lands End and Trip Advisor informed us the pub gig we were meant to be playing, on the east coast of Scotland was run by an obnoxious, drunkard of a publican who swore at all his customers. So when we walked through the door and were met with ‘What the fuck do you two want?” We just laughed and ordered a beer. Because I have no great admiration for Trip Advisor, I found this story I’m about to tell you very, very amusing.

A gentleman called Oobah Butler who’d already briefly had a paid job writing fake reviews in order to promote video games decided he would turn ‘The Shed’ (a shed in somebody’s back garden that he lived in) into an imaginary restaurant and see how far he could send it up the Trip Advisor popularity charts. In May 2017 Oobah launched ‘The Shed at Dulwich’ an appointment only restaurant with a website and a lot of moody sounding dishes your dad wouldn’t like. Here’s a sample. COMFORT - Yorkshire blue macaroni and cheese seasoned with bacon shavings and served in a 600TC Egyptian cotton bowl with a side order of sourdough. With the help of bleach tablets, shaving foam, honey and black pepper he photographed some amazing looking dishes and submitted the results to Trip Advisor. 5th May - “We’re excited to tell your listing has been approved. Thank you for letting The Trip Advisor community know about The Shed at Dulwich.”

At this point his ranking was 18,149 - the worst restaurant in London. He needed reviews - lots of them - and all from different computers so Trip Advisor’s anti-scammer technology didn’t think it was a hoax. He contacts his friends and aquaintances and in no time they are in the top 10,000. Then weirdly the phone starts to ring with people trying to book. He tells them no, Email: info@broadsheep.com Website: www.broadsheep.com we’re booked up four months in advance. Suddenly they are at 1,456. The pictures of shaving foam are working the magic! By the end of August they are at 156. Then a letter comes from the council asking if they would like to relocate the restaurant to a new site in Bromley! Then a request from an Australian video company who want them to appear in an inflight aircraft company video and then PR agency claims they can get them onto the ‘The Mail Online’. Winter comes, they are at number 30 but can’t seem to get any higher. By now people are stopping Oobah in his street and asking for directions to the restaurant! Then one night he gets an email from Trip Advisor titled ‘Information Request’. He figures they have finally rumbled him, but it informs him they have had in the last day 89,000 views of his restaurant on their search-engine and so finally on 1st November 2017 ‘The Shed’ is London’s top rated restaurant! There is pretty much nothing I don’t like about this story. It’s funny, it’s harmless, it slightly deflates the selfimportance of one of the current crop of internet giants and I find it inspiring. In fact I’d quite like to duplicate it. With the help of the millions (well thousands, well my sister reads it) of people who read my column, I figure we could screw the results on any number of rankings. The two areas I’ve decided to try are: 1. Favourite British Tourist Destinations and 2. Most Reliable Car. 1. This is a no-brainer. Back in the 1990’s the late lamented Chas Ambler and myself planned to release an album of music from an imaginary island in between Montserrat and Dominica called ‘The Music of Costa Ria’. There is no reason why this should not be Britain’s Number One Holiday Destination with its golden beaches, palm trees and delicious local cuisine and excellent indigenous music. 2. As for the Most Reliable Car. It’s high time the Vinaxvki stepped up to the plate. Launched in 2009 with an investment of 250 billion Vietnamese dollars from the government, it finally ground to a halt without any hitting the streets in 2012. The prototype, despite being a full-sized hatchback had only the two front seats. I suppose since it never went into production, it never went wrong, so it is indeed the World’s Most Reliable Car! So come on gang, let’s get emailing. Cover pic: Faye Claridge, photographic exhibition at Hereford Museum & Art Gallery (Meadow Arts)

small ads LARGE LIGHT CLEAN INDUSTRIAL UNIT IN NEW RADNOR AVAILABLE NOW. Suitable for food production, studio, workshop, storage etc. 3 phase electric, Oil central heating, good access and parking. Additional kitchen and loo. Ben or Sally 01544 350456/07789909748 SINGER WANTED FOR INDIE/PUNK BAND, phone 07976 433753 for more info. LEARN GUITAR (ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC) Individual tuition for adults 16 plus, music graduate, professional guitarist. Whatever level, you’ll learn songs or music you enjoy. 07729 059847, 01584 876584, paul.wrightson@gmail.com PIANO TUNER AND TECHNICIAN Based in Llanidloes, serving Mid-Wales. Please contact Matt 01686 412753 or 07843 440789 or email vicky@mousematt.net DYNAMIC SPEAKER AVAILABLE FOR ORGANISATIONS: Veteran presenter to many W/I.’s: Townswomens Guilds: Probus Clubs and others. Interactive, educational, entertaining. Topics include Suffragettes and Votes For Women: Boom, Bust and Beyond. USA: Civil Rights USA: Abolition Of Slavery: Pity of War 1914-18. £40 plus travel. contact: paddyhannigan12@gmail.com P/T OR OCCASIONAL WORK WANTED Cheerful, fit, educated, mature woman seeks employment. Clean driving licence, DBS checked. Anything considered from office/business support to house sitting including driving, gardening and dog walking. Phone Katie 01547 520328. PEMBRIDGE ALLOTMENT’S ASSOCIATION have several plots to let for the coming season large or small, lovely setting and very reasonable rates, please contact Rosie on 078660 27774 for details. We look forward to welcoming new members. PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Every Thursday. Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com A STITCH IN TIME Careful repairs & creative alterations to well-loved clothes. Vintage a speciality. Anne 01544 267997.

TREE PRUNING SERVICES From one branch to an entire orchard. Tel: 01544 260656. JAZZ PIANO TUITION A specially created course for beginners through to intermediate level students. Also coaching for Associated Board jazz exams. Now taking students in Presteigne and surrounding area. Simon Deeley, 07890 303681. simon.deeley@aol.com CATERING CROCKERY, CUTLERY AND GLASSWARE FOR HIRE. Up to 100 settings. Contact Ruth on 01544 350559 or 07870 752325. BLACKSMITHING EVENING CLASSES MORNING CLASSES AND SHORT COURSES at Bluefoot Forge. For details, phone 01544 267810. info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk or visit www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk FIDDLE LESSONS - Friendly, experienced fiddle teacher available for lessons, all ages, all levels. I teach in a fun and relaxed way. I will help with confidence, flow, technique, bowing, style and tune repertoire. My focus is mainly on the Irish tradition. Please get in touch. Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Gloucestershire area. Caitlin - cait@globe-ents.co.uk 07912 014636. WANTED URGENTLY VINTAGE CLOTHING for male/ female, plus accessories including jewellery, shoes, etc. Also wanted: quality curtains, lace and textiles, even damaged. And designer clothing including male/female... tweeds, evening dresses etc. Also unusual items including fans etc. Please telephone: Annie 07798 632247. Teagowns and Textiles. annies.30@hotmail.com VIOLIN & VIOLA LESSONS given by experienced professional in Presteigne. All abilities and styles taught. John Hymas 07969 440183. MANTON CUSTOMS Shropshire based luthier. Handmade electric instruments and guitar repair services. info@mantoncustoms.co.uk VIOLIN/VIOLA LESSONS All styles, all ages, beginners to advanced. Help with composition, theory, aural training. Accompaniment also offered. Ring Tony on 01544 321925 or visit his website: http://camelmusic.co.uk for a CV and more information. WORKSHOPS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS CLINIC: Get ready for GDPR, a practical workshop aimed at small businesses and organisations. 7/2 in Malvern. Book on Eventbrite. Coming up: WordPress and Mailchimp masterclasses. Visit our website at www.smallbusinessclinic. co.uk or call 07825 987114 for details of this and our other workshops.

HAYSTACKS MUSIC, Backfold, 2 Castle Wall, Hay-onWye, HR3 5EQ. Tel: 07527 298199. Headline making independent music shop only a one minute walk from the main car park. A destination shop packed with new and machine cleaned vinyl records, CDs, books and more. 1000’s of items £4 or less.

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS FROM ONLY 50P PER WEEK 1000 direct unique hits per month, top of the page on Google when you type in Presteigne, all administrative work done by volunteers, project is not for profit. SUPPORT YOUR TOWN WEBSITE. Very cheap rates: 50p per week, or full page £1 per week. For more information go to www.presteigne.org.uk, email jtennanteyles@gmail. com or telephone James Tennant-Eyles on 01544 267363.

COURTYARD ANTIQUES, HIGH ST, PRESTEIGNE. A most unusual shop offering an eclectic and interesting collection of fine quality antiques, decorative and quirky items, Staffordshire pottery, country furniture and books. 01544 267033. aeleavis@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/courtyardantiquespresteigne

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER 01432 850444

architecture

What’s In A Name B

RUTALISM has always had a bad Press. Some believe its creators intended it that way. The origins of the term, according to the Observer’s architectural critic Rowan Moore, are from the French béton brut (raw concrete) and its chief protagonist was the architectural polemicist Reyner Banham. Like ‘gothic’ and ‘baroque’ before it, the newly-minted architectural classification soon became a term of abuse. Rather like a Chinese carmaker branding its new SUV Rubbish: doesn’t do much for sales. Sir Denys Lasdun always denied that his National Theatre, which opened in 1976 on London’s South Bank, was Brutalist, preferring to liken its concrete terraces to ‘stratified cliffs’. Prince Charles (who can always be relied upon to make facile architectural observations) suggested that the NT looked like a nuclear power station. What a pity that this unfriendly grey edifice, occupying one of the best Thames-side sites in the capital, is probably going to be there forever. Two other Brutalist giants which are too big to fell are Gibberd’s 1997 Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral (aka Paddy’s Wigwam)) and John Madin’s Birmingham Central Library (1974), the latter now sulking in the shadows of Mecanoo’s glitzy new City Library, which opened in 2013. Brutalist monuments which have fared less well over the years are Gillespie Kidd & Coia’s vaulted Roman Catholic Seminary of St Peter at Cardross (empty and awaiting conversion into an arts centre); ACP’s Grade II-listed Brynmawr rubber factory; and Owen Luder’s Trinity Square multi-storey car park at Gateshead featured in the Michael Caine thriller ‘Get Carter’ – both now concrete rubble. Brutalist pioneers Alison and Peter Smithson’s Robin Hood Gardens, Poplar, fell victim to the wreckers’ ball last year. Patrick Hodgkinson’s Brunswich Centre, Bloomsbury, completed in 1972 and restored by

Hanging Gardens of Swiss Cottage Neave Brown’s Alexandra Road Estate

the London Borough of Camden 12 years ago (at a cost of £22-million) survives. Today a two-bedroom apartment there will set you back £1-million. But the slabsided Park Hill Estate (1961), hugging the contours of Sheffield’s Norfolk Park, is still only partially refurbished. Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute in California – chillingly featured in the horror movie ‘Coma’ - is certainly one of the best-preserved examples of Brutalism in North America. The movement’s most impressive monument in Britain has to be Chamberlin Powell & Bonn’s 40-year-old Barbican Estate in the City of London, built on 35 acres of bomb-damaged land north of St Paul’s Cathedral. Its most distinctive features are three jagged-edged point blocks, which were once the tallest residential towers in Europe. Today, the entire estate couldn’t be erected for less than £1-billion. Wherever you walk within this traffic-free enclave, béton brut is all around you: exposed aggregate structural columns, concrete stair balustrades or bush-hammered ventilation shafts. This year’s Royal Gold Medal for Architecture winner, the American-born designer Neave Brown, who died last month, bore the unique distinction of being the only 20th century architect to have had all his built works listed in his lifetime – a claim to immortality which neither M’lords Foster or Rogers (both former Gold Medalists) are able to match. Neve Brown’s elegantly-articulated Alexandra Road flats, Swiss Cottage – with their stepped terraces echoing Hodgkinson’s Brunswick Centre – embody the very best of British social housing, while celebrating Brutalism. Where the Barbican’s designers decided to reach for the skies, Neave Brown and Patrick Hodgkinson stayed on the ground, modestly redefining Georgian terraced housing for the 20th century – using 20th century materials.

Nick Jones

GLASBURY ARTS ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Fri 16 to 20 February 2018 - Glasbury Village Hall Entry to Patrons, Members, people in fulltime education Free, everyone else £3 This year our exciting annual exhibition has nine out of twelve of the significant painters from the “Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting” Exhibition in Merthyr last summer including: Alan Salisbury, Kate Freeman, Martyn Jones, Sally Mathews, Charles Burton, Veronica Gibson, Gustivous Payne, Joanne Smith and John Darlison. There will be additional guest and local artists including students from Gwernyfed High School, as well as Clarissa Price at the River Café. Arts lunch available each day at River Café Glasbury at special Glasbury Arts Price of £12.50 Booking essential on 01497 847007

Full information including opening times of the exhibition on our website: glasburyarts.co.uk

art POWYS Courtyard Antiques, High St, Presteigne, 01544 267033 Feb Antique pottery, country furniture and art. 10.30am-3pm. Herb Garden Community Cafe, Station Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5BB 01597 823082 Until 4 March ‘China Feeling’. exhibition of vibrant and colourful photographs by MIKE LEWIS. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 01544 260777 www.radnorshireartsandcraftsfoundation.org Knighton Fine Art, 2 Broad Street, Knighton 01547 528052 Feb New 20th century art by JULIAN TREVELYAN, AGNES MILLER PARKER & MARY POTTER. Local art by: JULIENNE BRAHAM, MARTIN DUTTON, BARBARA GOOLDEN, PETER SHREAD & BRONTË WOODRUFF. Greeting cards and local crafts. Open Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Glasbury Village Hall, HR3 5TH 16 - 20 Feb ‘Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting’. Featuring ALAN SALISBURY KATE FREEMAN, KATHERINE SHEERS, MARTYN JONES, SALLY MATHEWS, CHARLES BURTON, VERONICA GIBSON, GUSTIVOUS PAYNE, JOANNE SMITH & JOHN DARLISON. Additional guest and local artsits including students from Gwernyfed High School and CLARISSA PRICE at the River Cafe. Annual exhibition. Further details www.glasburyarts.co.uk The Workhouse Studio, Presteigne Industrial Estate 01544 267864 Feb Rare antique carpets and kilims. Cafe. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Radnorshire Museum, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells 01597 824513 Until 17 March ‘Out of the Darkness Comes the Light’. BERNI BENTON - acrylic and stained glass art. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Erwood Station Gallery, Llandeilo Graban, Builth Wells, LD2 3SJ 01982 560674 Feb A constantly changing mix of materials and styles occupying over 2000 square feet. Complimented by paintings and sculpture, plus seasonal exhibitions. Open daily 10.30am-5pm, tea room closes 4.30pm.

The Hay Makers, St John’s Place, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5BN 01497 820556 8 - 12 March REBECCA STARK clocks. CHARLIE HIGH - jewellery. SUE THORNE - stained glass. JOHN WEBB - salt-glazed ceramics. SUE DUNNE - ceramics plus work by gallery artists. Closed until 8 Feb. 10.30am-5pm, closed Tues & Sun. Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555 Until 5 Feb KNIGHTON PAINTING & SKETCHING GROUP. 6 Feb - 5 April ‘Inter-Tidal’. CLARE OWEN-MAYNARD - paintings. Tues & Wed 12.30-9pm, Thurs-Sun 2pm-9pm, closed Mon. Shepherd’s Ice Cream Parlour, 9 High Town, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821898 Until mid April BILLY CHARITY photographs of local characters. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Theatr Hafren, Newtown 01686 614555 Until 15 Feb HYWEL PHILLIPS. Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm. Museum of Modern Art, Machynlleth 01654 703355 Until 10 March ‘Weather’. RICHARD DEACON - sculpture. Until 10 March ‘Brotherhood of Ruralists’. ANN ARNOLD, GRAHAM ARNOLD, ANNIE OVENDEN AND PETER BLAKE RA. Until 10 March ‘Flock’. PHILIPPA ROBBINS. Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. Andrew Lamont Gallery, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 Until 25 Feb ‘The Taff Trail Trajectory’. FIONA HARPER. Open theatre times. Minerva Arts Centre, Llanidloes 01686 413467 17 March World Textile Day. An exhibition of stitched, embroidered and woven textiles from around the world. Fairtrade market, a presentation by Susan Briscoe at 11am, experts discuss one of their most treasured textiles plus a short talk at 2pm. £3 per session or £5 for both, tickets at the door. www.worldtextileday.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm. Cheese & Butter Market, Hay-on-Wye 07866 843538 Every Fri & Sat Flea & Vintage Market. Vintage clothing, bric a brac, antiques and jewellery. Open 9am-5pm.

Powysland Museum, Welshpool 01686 640689 Until 6 Mar Exhibition of Andrew Logan’s work. Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-2pm, closed Wed. Court Cupboard Gallery, New Court Farm Llantillio Pertholey, Abergavenny, NP7 8AU 01873 852011 Until 8 March GABY DEVITT - woven and printed textile lampshades, cushions, bags. RHYS PARTRIDGE - landscape paintings and wildlife linoprints. Open 10.30am-4pm daily. Oriel Davies Gallery, Newtown 01686 625041 10 Feb - 11 April ‘A Sound Not Meant to be Heard’. ANTHONY SHAPLAND. 10 Feb - 11 April ‘Speakable Things’ Litmus Commission, FREYA DOOLEY. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. HEREFORDSHIRE Hereford College of Arts, Folly Lane Campus, Hereford 01432 273359 www.hca.ac.uk Until 7 Feb School Arts exhibition. 5 Feb - 23 March HCA Illustration course academic team and special guests. Featuring NEIL HADFIELD, ALAN HARROLD, MARK WOODS, MARION ELLIOTT, JESS BUGLER, NICK SHARRATT, ANDREW FOSTER, PAUL JACKSON & GABBY STEVENSON - illustrations. Open 9am-5pm. The Old Stable Gallery, Tourist Information Centre, Corn Square, Leominster 01568 611734 Until 28 Feb “Print, Paint, Pot”. MICHAEL J HANCOCK - intaglio prints JULIENNE BRAHAM - paintings JASON BRAHAM - pottery. Open Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm. Gallery 54, 54 High St, Ross-on-Wye 01989 567917 Feb JOHN MAXWELL-STEEL new work. ISABEL MITCHELL glass. Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm. The Courtyard, Hereford 01432 340555 Until 18 Feb ‘Memory States’. JESS BUGLER - printmaker. Open theatre times. All Saint’s Church, High St, Hereford 01432 370414 12 Feb - 8 April ‘Drawing the Light’. RICHARD BAVIN - a series of large charcoal drawings on a Lenten theme. Open 8am-4pm daily except Sundays.

Clare Owen-Maynard, Wyeside, Builth Wells

Katherine Sheers, Glasbury Village Hall Chris Williams, Apple Store Gallery, Hereford

Julienne Braham, The Old Stable Gallery, Leominster

Mike Lewis, Herb Garden Cafe, Llandrindod Wells

South Chapel, All Saint’s Church, Hereford 01432 370414 5 - 10 Feb THE HEREFORD LEISURE PAINTERS. 12 - 17 Feb THE GOLDEN VALLEY CRAFT SOCIETY. 19 - 24 Feb Arts and Crafts sale organised by Mary O’Grady. 26 Feb - 3 March Fairtrade arts, crafts and charity. Information from Love Zimbabwe. 5 - 10 March THE HEREFORD LEISURE PAINTERS. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. Studio 54, 54 Bridge St, Kington 01544 231527 Feb Sculpture, art and unique gifts and cards. Open Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm. Wobage Makers Gallery, Upton Bishop, Ross on Wye HR9 7QP 01989 780495 Feb Contemporary craft work by makers BEN CASSON - furniture and treen. CLYDE HOARE - baskets and willow weaving. CLAIR HODGSON silver, gold and precious stone jewellery. PATIA DAVIS, SHEILA HERRING, ANDREW McGARVA, JEREMY STEWARD, PETRA STEWARD - ceramics. CLARE CASSON-McGARVA - handstitched and dyed textiles. Open Thurs-Sat 10am-5pm. De Koffie Pot, Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford 01432 357753 2 - 9 Feb BA (Hons) Textile Design students exhibit drawings, inspired by details found in the costumes collection at Hereford Museum & Art Gallery. Hereford Museum & Art Gallery, Broad St, Hereford 01432 260692 6 - 17 Feb ‘Village Green Screen’. FAYE CLARIDGE - photographs. An art project collecting diverse views on the use of black face paint in local traditions. Meadow Arts. 21 Feb - 2 March ‘Instant Fish’. Students from Hereford College of Arts Extended Diploma Art & Design course showing their own works. Tues-Thurs 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Tobias James Art & Framing Gallery, St Owen St, Hereford 07760 316959 Feb Works by local artists and from artists further afield. Apple Store Gallery, Unit 1, Rockfield Road, Hereford, HR1 2UA 01432 263937 Until 3 March ‘Rockfield Arts’. ASG and Artisite, three artists showing current work. Open Wed-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Other times by arrangement. Framing available.

Upstairs, Market House Gallery, Ross-on-Wye 01989 769398 Feb Paintings, textiles, acrylics, glass, wood, sculptures. 10am-4pm.

Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms, SY7 9NW 01588 676176 National Museum of British Popular Culture. 11am-5pm daily, closed Wed.

Lion Gallery, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611898 Feb ANDREW ALLANSON - original art and prints. Plus a varied show of work by up and coming British designer makers featuring jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, prints, paintings and studio glass. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

Church Stretton Library, Church St, Church Stretton, SY6 6DQ 01694 722535 Until 17 Feb DIANA NUTTALL dramatic paintings of local scenes in acrylics. Open Tues 9.30am-7pm, Thurs-Sat 9.30am-5pm, closed Mon & Wed.

Mike Gell, Contemporary British Jewellery, 3 East Street, Hereford. 01432 278226 Jewellery, silverware and studio glass by more than 70 designers. Open Mon - Sat,10am - 5pm. Hereford Cathedral 01432 374209 www.herefordcathedral.org Feb ‘Uncovered’. Items from the archive collection of books and manuscripts. Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm. 14 March - 29 April ‘Poppies: Weeping Window’. The stunning artwork by PAUL CUMMINS, artist TOM PIPER of ceramic poppies that were originally at HM Tower of London will be displayed on the north facade of the cathedral. Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge 01544 388842 www.oldchapelgallery.co.uk Feb ‘St Valentines’. SHIRLEY SMITH, CHRISSIE NASH, GAIL KELVIN, ROSE GRANT, ROZIE KEOGH, ELIZABETH TREZA, ALISON EVANS & LEOMA DREW - jewellery. KATHIE BARRS, GREEN GROVE, CHALK textiles, silk velvet, cushions, scarves, jackets, coats and wraps. Ceramic sculptures by various artists, hand made cards and more. 4 March - 30 April New paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, sculpture and more by talented new-comers to the gallery. Open 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm. Closed Tues. SHROPSHIRE

SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AY 01588 630321 Feb SUE PERCY. Open 10am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Gallery 3, Gateway Arts Centre, Shrewsbury 01743 355159 Until 8 Dec Shropshire Open 2017. Until 9 March PHILIP CARTLAND. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. Bank House B & B, Bishop’s Castle 22 Feb Shropshire Hills Art Week 2018 Selection Box Preview Evening, 6-7.30pm, meet some of the artists and enjoy their work. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com The Public Hall, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AQ 23 - 25 Feb ‘Affordable Art’. CASTLE ARTISTS. Open 10am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com The Poppy House, Market Square, Bishop’s Castle 21 - 25 Feb BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS SOCIETY. Open 10am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Old Vicarage, Church Lane, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5AF 01588 638940 24 & 25 Feb HELEN ROBINSON Oriel Glass Studio - architectual stained glass. Studio under construction, but a preview of what will be on offer later in the year. Open 10am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Aardvark Books, The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH 01547 530744 17 Feb Live jazz from the Trevor Davies Trio, children’s history craft activities in the Bookburrow, book launch for paperback edition of KJ Whittaker’s ‘False Lights’. Open 10am-4pm.

2 Kerry Lane, Bishop’s Castle 24 & 25 Feb GERALDINE BURKILL. Open 10am-3pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

3 Bull St, Bishop’s Castle, SY9 5DB 01588 638458 24 & 25 Feb Open Studio DRUSILLA COLE - linocuts, collagraphs, prints and cards. ROSIE BYRD - vintage textiles, jewellery and cards. 10am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

The Chai Shop, High St, Bishop’s Castle 21 - 24 Feb TAHIRA PAUL - paintings and jewellery. Open 10.30am-5pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Yarborough House, Market Square, Bishop’s Castle SY9 5BN 23 - 25 Feb JOCK WRIGHT - abstract. Open 11am-4pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Twenty Twenty Gallery, 4 Quality Square, Ludlow 01584 875363 3 Feb - 10 March LOUISE DAVIES prints and paintings. EMILY STUBBS - pottery. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall 01588 630023 3 Feb Antiques & Flea Market. 17 Feb - 17 March ANDREW FUSEK PETERS. Open 9am-4pm. 17 Feb Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm. 24 & 25 Feb Artisan Market. Open 10am-4pm. 3 March Antiques & Flea Market. Open 9am-4pm. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH 01743 258885 9 Feb - 15 April ‘Lego: Brick History’. Open Tues-Sun 10am-4.30pm. FBC Manby Bowdler Gallery, Upper Circle, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01743 281281 Open Mon-Sat from 10am. Twenty Twenty Gallery, 3 - 4 High St, Much Wenlock 01952 727952 10 Feb - 17 March PENNY REES paintings. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS 01588 676060 Until 6 Feb CLAIRE ALLEN BRUNN - limited edition prints. RON KELLY photography. Until 13 March ‘Moon and Magic’. TAMSIN BRIDGE - paintings. Until 13 March ‘Acrylicly Gifted!’ modern style box canvases using acrylics. Open 10am-5pm.

Art & Craft Workshops

WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR ART SKILLS ? Hereford Botanical Art Group welcome new members. A friendly group with an interest in creating beautiful pictures of plants and flowers in a variety of mediums. We have a tutor on a regular basis and meet in the United Reformed Church Hall, Hampton Park, Hereford every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm. Details, contact alisonbarter@hotmail.co.uk GLASSBLOWING COURSES Experience the magic of glassblowing. Hay-on-Wye. www.glassgallery.co.uk GINN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOPS Fun, recreational art sessions for EVERYONE. Start painting, drawing, printing & textiles. Guided by Ginn with 25 years in teaching & inspiring art & design. PLUS Ginn’s School of Sewing Tel: 01432 760961 www.ginnscreativeworkshops.co.uk STONE CARVING COURSES WEEKENDS Tuesday mornings with Lottie O’Leary. Also available for schools, festivals, shows etc. Details, www.lottieolearystonecarver.co.uk or phone me on 01547 528 792.

WEEKEND COURSES

Single, dated listings are free. Ongoing workshops, £40 per year. HEREFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPETITION Submissions are being accepted from photographers aged 9-16 and this year’s theme is ‘Bravery’. Deadline for entries is 16 Feb, after that photographs will be displayed in an exhibition at the Folly Lane campus. www.hca.ac.uk CREATIVE WILLOW Weekly classes for beginners and intermediates, exploring willow weaving techniques for basketmaking and garden structures. Builth Wells and Crickhowell. Mary Zammit, 01982 552072, mary@marywillowgarden.co.uk

Life Painting, Drawing, Portrait, Still-life, Colour, Landscape, Monoprinting.

www.artcourseswales.com nr. Hay-on-Wye Established 2009 Tel. 01874 711212

ART WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Free Art sessions, for 11-18 year olds. Wednesdays 4-6pm. With different art techniques by local artists. Teme Valley Youth Project, Wigmore. Email: youthtvyp1@yahoo.co.uk or call 01568 770110. CREATIVE BREAKS Learn a new skill and explore your creativity with experienced tutors. We offer a wide range of art and craft courses throughout the year:Basketmaking, dyeing, spinning and weaving, earth ovens, glass fusing, green woodworking, hand and machine knitting, hedgerow medicine, jewellery, painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, rag rug making, stained glass, story telling, upholstery and woodworking. For full details www.creativebreaks.co.uk Make it yourself - take it home - keep it, treasure it: give it with pride! February WILD CREATIVE TEXTILES Fibre art & crafts courses, classes, workshops, personal tuition, & craft holidays - How to spin yarn & art yarns, felting, beginners & creative crochet & more. Lea Williams: 01686 669893 email: info@littlepentre.co.uk www.littlepentre.co.uk February JEWELLERY MAKING With Melissa Hunt. 3 Feb - Stacking bangles, all levels. 11 Feb - Taster half day, make a pair of cufflinks, all levels, 2-5pm. 17 Feb - Forged Jewellery: hammered textures and forms, all levels. 18 Feb - Make a spinner ring, all levels. 24 Feb - Enamelling techniques, all levels. 25 Feb - Make a silver spoon, all levels. 3 March - Cold Connections for jewellers: hinges, rivets, tabs, levels 2 & 3. Plus on Tuesdays running blocks of 6 week evening classes, 6-9pm, £150. All courses Oxford Barn, Oxford Yard, Brampton Bryan, bring a packed lunch or buy from the cafe at Aardvark Books, two minute walk from the studio. Details 07931 351233. February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE WORKSHOPS Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, School Rd, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. February EASTNOR POTTERY Children’s Pottery Sessions in half term. Wed 14 & Wed 21 Feb - ‘THANKS A BUNCH’ Come and make a pot of ceramic flowers which co-incidentally will be fired and glazed

in time for mother’s day! Places cost £15 per child with a 10% discount for x 3 or more places booked. Potter’s wheel workshops 3rd & 10th Feb. Spend the day relaxing and creating pots on the potter’s wheel. Day £130 Includes materials, refreshments and lunch. Family pottery fun in Feb ½ term Pottery open Tues-Sat 10am4pm. To book a session, turn up and choose from an exciting menu of pottery projects using real clay and the potter’s wheel. No minimum order of participants required and projects start at just £5. Excellent & creative indoor activity. To book a space, simply email admin@eastnorpottery.co.uk or telephone 01531 633886. February THE GLOBE, HAY ON WYE WORKSHOPS Every Sunday - Lego Club, 11am, free. Every Tuesday - Chess Club, 4.15pm, free, contact Drew on 07714 767779. One Tuesday a month Globemakers - an informal craft group, 7.30pm, further details contact corin@lordburgess.co.uk The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762.

February ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW WORKSHOPS Twice monthly, Tues, Oscars, 7.30pm, Ludlow Photographic Club, 01584 879180. First Thurs, Studio, 7.30pm, Ludlow Arts Society, talks and demonstrations, 01584 831458. Fri, Studio, 10am-4pm, Life and Portrait Workshop, contact Chris Bean, 01584 841668. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 878141. February WEA DAY SCHOOLS 3 Feb - Needlefelted Pet Portraits with Clare Linford. Bring several photos of your pet. Leintwardine Village Hall, 10am-4pm, £43 to include materials. Course Code: C3125710. 14 Feb Urban Realism and the Natural World led by Professor Allen Fisher. This study day will focus on attention to a selection of paintings from France in the 19th century. Lingen VH, 10am-4pm, £22.50. Course Code: C3125822. To book, enrolonline.wea. org.uk or 0300 303 3463.

February PRINT SHED COURSES www.theprintshed.net or email theprintshed@swinmoor.net For info and bookings Contact Jill Barneby 07796 673123. Thurs 1 February LIFE DRAWING SESSION A practical drawing session with a life model and tutor. Basic materials provided (paper, pencils, charcoal and drawing boards). Feel free to bring your own easel/other materials. Set up 6.30pm, starts 7-9.30pm, £10, 01588 630321. Sat 10, Sat 24 & Sun 25 February, Sat 10 March TILE PAINTING WORKSHOP Led by Kate Evans. To decorate the new changing rooms at the SpArC swimming pool. 10 Feb - Bishop’s Castle Community College, 2-5pm. 24 & 25 Feb - Public Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 2-5pm. 10 March - Eco Building at the Community College, Bishop’s Castle, 2-5pm, all workshops cost £12 per person which includes up to 6 tiles plus all tuition, materials and firing. Enquiries and bookings email katetheplate@gmail.com or 01588 638762.

GEORGINA FRANKLIN Jewellery Individual Contemporary Design Commissions undertaken

Please see website for studio opening times.

www.georginafranklin.co.uk

The Forum, 18 Market Square, Tenbury Wells, Worcs. WR15 8EA

Phone 01584 810085

Wed 21 - Sun 25 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 22 Feb - Needlefelting Workshop with Clare Linford, 10am-12pm & 2-4pm, free, Town Hall. 22 Feb - Basic Jewellery Making Workshop with Val Padbury, 10.30am-3.30pm, £15, 1 The Cobbles, Lower Market Square, 01588 638196. 22 Feb - Knitwits Meeting, 6.15pm-7.30pm, drop-in, Three Tuns, free. 23 Feb - Scraptastic with Liz Still, 10am-12pm, free, Top Room, Three Tuns. 23 Feb - Watercolour Workshop with Sue Percy, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm, free, materials supplied, Town Hall. 23 - 25 Feb - Jane Allard will be demonstrating hand weaving. Kerry Rise, Kerry Green, 10am-4pm. 24 & 25 Feb - Tile Painting Workshop with Kate Evans, 2-5pm for tiles on the walls of the new changing room at the SpArC swimming pool, £12 per day, 01588 638762. 25 Feb - Intermediate Jewellery Making Workshop with Val Padbury, 10.30am & 3.30pm, £15, 1 The Cobbles, Lower Market Square. Further information www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sat 24 February LIFE DRAWING MORNING A supervised, untutored workshop with professional life model, for both beginners and experienced artists. Refreshments provided. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10am-1pm, £18, 01547 550377. Mondays LIFE DRAWING 10am – 4pm at Llanigon Village Hall. Beginners welcome. MODELS WANTED. Contact 01497 831 550.

Mondays APPLETREE KNITTING GROUP Studio 2, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow. 2pm and 6pm supporting ‘Knit for Peace’. Donations of £2, 0845 548 5449. Wednesdays VISUAL ART WORKSHOPS For 11-16 year olds. Mortimer Enterprise Centre, Kings Meadow, Wigmore, 4-6pm, 01568 770110. Wednesdays POTTERY CLUB All ages and abilities. Materials and refreshments included. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, near Newtown, 7-9pm, 01686 688369. Wednesdays KNITTING GROUP At the Workhouse Cafe, Presteigne, 2-4pm, 10% discount on food and drinks. All welcome, 01544 267864. Fridays AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB For children aged 5 - 12 years. Mid Wales Arts Centre, Caersws, 3.45-5.15pm, 01686 688369. 3rd Saturday KINGTON ART AND CRAFT MARKET Kington Market Hall, 10am-4pm. A range of high quality work by local artists and crafts makers. Craft making during summer months. 07867 483135. www.kingtoncommunitymarket.wordpress.com

Conquest Theatre Bromyard Live on Stage

Thursday 1 February 7.30pm BUFFALO GALS present MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW Saturday 3 February 7.30pm RHINESTONE COWBOY - The Glen Campbell Story Friday 9 February 7.30pm FOLK IN THE FOYER - HORIZON LIGHTS & THE STONED CHERRIES Sun 11 February 7.30pm Full Circle productions present OUTSIDE THE BOX - A Live Show about Death Thurs 15 February 7.30pm THE TRANSAMERICAN TRAIL

Film

2 February 7.30pm DUNKIRK 16 February 7.30pm THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US 23 February 7.30pm THE DEATH OF STALIN 25 February 7.30pm LOVING VINCENT

Screenings

14 Feb 7pm TWELFTH NIGHT (RSC) 17 Feb 7.30pm LIBERTY EQUALITY FRATERNITY (Australian NT) 22 Feb 7pm CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (NT) 28 Feb 7.15pm A WINTER’S TALE (ROH)

Box office 01885 488575 www.conquest-theatre.co.uk

Blacksmithing Evening classes, morning classes and short courses

At Bluefoot Forge, Presteigne For details

www.wherethelightgetsin.co.uk info@wherethelightgetsin.co.uk Tel 01544 267810

GARETH GWATKIN

FORGE COTTAGE, EVENJOBB, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS, LD8 2SD

T: 01547 560150 M: 07884 231104

gareth@hiddenwren.co.uk www.hiddenwren.co.uk

cinema PHANTOM THREAD (15) In what’s claimed to be his last film, Daniel DayLewis plays fêted couturier Reynolds Woodcock – loosely based on American designer Charles James – sashaying elegantly and happily through 1950s London society until a chance meeting with Alma (Luxembourg’s Vicky Krieps), a hotel waitress. Quickly becoming his lover and muse, Alma is no malleable ingénue and gradually obliges Reynolds to reassess his priorities, albeit with some hesitance, whilst the presence of his protective sister Cyril (multi-BAFTA nominee Lesley Manville), fuels Reynolds’ inner conflict. In his first feature shot outside the USA and working as his own cinematographer, writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson certainly faced significant challenges with this complex romantic drama, however with his There Will Be Blood star, Day-Lewis onboard and a strong supporting cast, the results are typically formidable. All reveiws by Mark Williams

BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL 23 FEBRUARY - 11 MARCH Each year the Borderlines Film Festival, the largest rural film festival in the UK, centred on The Courtyard, Hereford, but also spread across numerous venues in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys, brings a vast selection of new and old films. Details www.borderlinesfilmfestival.org

ABERGAVENNY FILM SOC. 7 Feb THE EAGLE HUNTRESS (15) 21 Feb THE PAST (12) 7 March I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (15) Melville Centre, Pen-y-Pound, Abergavenny, doors open 6.45pm, films start 7.30pm, 01873 850167

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW

3, 5 & 6 Feb HOSTILES (15) 3, 7 & 8 Feb MOUNTAIN (PG) 9 & 10 Feb JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (12A) 10, 12 - 15 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) 12 & 14 Feb ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) 16, 18 & 19 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) 19, 21 - 24 Feb FERDINAND (U) 16, 18 - 20, 22 Feb COCO (U) 23, 25 - 28 Feb DOWNSIZING (15) 2 March REDOUBTABLE 2 March A FANTASTIC WOMAN

2 - 4 March JOURNEY’S END 3 March MALVERN AND THE MARCHES: NEWS FROM THE 60S AND 70S 3 March HEREFORDSHIRE LIFE THROUGH A LENS 3 March LOVELESS 4 March THE LOST WORLD 4 Feb WINNIE + PASCALE LAMCHE Details 01584 878141

BISHOP’S CASTLE FILM SOC. 7 Feb EL SUR 21 Feb LES QUATRE CENT COUPS 7 March HELL OR HIGH WATER Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, 01588 680445

BOOTH’S BOOKSHOP 1 March THE BOOKSHOP - UK PREMIERE 4 March SWEET COUNTRY 8 March LEAN ON PETE 8 March WESTERN Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. Films every weekend. Full programme www.boothbooks. co.uk 01497 820322

BRECON FILM SOCIETY 5 Feb MOONLIGHT (15) 5 March JULIETA (15) Doors open 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Brecon Colisuem Cinema, Wheat St, Brecon. Membership enquiries 01874 623166

CONQUEST, BROMYARD 2 Feb DUNKIRK (PG) 16 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US

20 Feb ZOOTROPOLIS 23 Feb THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) 23 Feb CARS 3 25 Feb LOVING VINCENT (12A) 2 March FELICITE 3 March MAUDIE 4 March TAWAI - A VOICE FROM THE FOREST 4 March THE PARTY 11 March GOD’S OWN COUNTRY Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard. Details 01885 488575

COURTYARD, HEREFORD 1 Feb MOLLY’S GAME (15) 1 Feb ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (ctbc) 1 Feb MENASHE (U) 2 - 8 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) 3 - 8 Feb A WOMAN’S LIFE (12A) 5 - 8 Feb HOSTILES (15) 5 - 7 Feb THE ENGLISH PATIENT (15) shown on 35mm film 6 - 8 Feb PITCH PERFECT 3 (12A) 9 - 15 Feb THE POST (12A) 9 - 13 Feb ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) 12 - 15 Feb SANCTUARY (15) 12 - 16 Feb BRAD’S STATUS (15) 19 - 21 Feb DOWNSIZING (15) 23 - 25 Feb MOUNTAIN 23 - 28 Feb, 1 March JOURNEY’S END 23 & 26 Feb MARY & THE WITCH’S FLOWER 23 - 27 Feb HUMAN FLOW 23 - 28 Feb, 1 March DARKEST HOUR 23 & 26 Feb A FANTASTIC WOMAN 23 Feb THE SQUARE - OPENING GALA 24 Feb THE MAGIC FLUTE 24 Feb FACES PLACES 24 Feb JOURNEY’S END + SAUL DIBB 24 Feb I STILL HIDE TO SMOKE 24, 25 Feb YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE 24 Feb DREAM WEAVERS (U) Flatpack Shorts 24 Feb & 1 March WALK WITH ME 25 , 27 & 28 Feb HAPPY END 25, 26 Feb WESTERN 25 & 27 Feb THE THIRD MURDER 26 - 28 Feb. 1 March LOVELESS 26 Feb SEARCHING FOR THE TRAVELLING PEOPLE 26 Feb THE SQUARE 27 Feb THE NILE HILTON INCIDENT 28 Feb SHORTS SELECTION 28 Feb, 1 March THE RIDER 28 Feb, 1 March SWEET COUNTRY 1 March SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT

1 March TALES FROM THE SILK ROAD: GULLS + BIRGIT BEUMERS 2, 3, 5 March PHANTOM THREAD 2 March LA CHINOISE 2 - 5 March LADY BIRD 2 - 4 March THE DISASTER ARTIST 2 - 5 March THE SHAPE OF WATER 2 March THE L-SHAPED ROOM 2 - 5 March THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI 2 March BEAST 3 March TALES FROM THE SILK ROAD: HEAVENLY NOMADIC + DAVID GILLAM 3 March HEREFORDSHIRE LIFE THROUGH A LENS 3 March WINNIE + PASCALE LAMCHE 4, 5 March THE BREADWINNER 4 March THE SEVENTH SEAL 4 March MILOU EN MAI 4 March ARCADIA + ADRIAN UTLEY & ADRIAN COOPER 4, 5 March CUSTODY 5 March ZAMA Details 01432 340555

1 Feb THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (15) Brilley VH 01544 327227 2 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 2 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Staunton on Wye VH 01981 501031 2 Feb HAMPSTEAD (12A) The Simpson Hall, Burghill 01432 760816 2 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Fownhope New Memorial Hall 01432 860065 2 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Kelsall Methodist Hall 01829 752548 2 Feb CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE (U) Dorstone VH 01981 550943 3 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Ripple Parish Hall 01684 592781 3 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Belmont Hall, Wellington www.theclifton.org 5 Feb DENIAL (12) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 5 Feb DEPARTURES (12) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 5 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Church Stretton School 01694 724330

DOWNSIZING (15) In his last film, Nebraska, reliably quixotic writer / director Alexander Payne wittily addressed the social consequences of an ageing population and now he tackles global overpopulation, but with his usual whimsical humour. Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig play a comfortable but financially stretched couple who in the near future decide to take the plunge following Norwegian scientists’ ability to shrink humans to six inches tall and ensconce them in utopian villages where their money is worth 100 times more. Naturally downsizing has its downsides, evidenced by Christoph Waltz as a sleazy playboy neighbour and the carefully segregated Third World community represented by a Vietnamese refugee (Hong Chau, Inherent Vice). In addition to its breathtaking technical achievement, the film’s appeal lies in its ability to give an entirely fresh perspective to fundamental human norms.

6 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Lydbury North VH 01588 680302 6 Feb DEPARTURES (12) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 7 Feb HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Cardington VH 01694 771295 9 Feb KEEPING MUM (15) Bodenham Parish Hall 01568 797473 9 Feb KEEPING MUM (15) Cound Guildhall 01743 761451 9 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Great Witley VH 01299 896412 9 Feb NOTORIOUS (U) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 9 Feb THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) Knighton Community Centre 07751 221487 10 Feb ARTHUR’S DYKE (15) Bayston Hill Memorial Hall 01743 873940 10 Feb COWBOY BEBOP THE MOVIE (12A) Belmont Hall, Wellington, www.theclifton.org 10 Feb VICEROY’S HOUSE (12) Trefonen VH 01691 657011 11 Feb TIREZ SUR LE PIANISTE (12) The Coach House Theatre, Malvern 01684 892277 12 Feb LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 12 Feb BROOKLYN (12A) Welshpool Assembly Room 01938 552043 13 Feb SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (U) SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630321 13 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) St Mary’s Church Hall, Ross on Wye 01989 568705 13 Feb HIGH SOCIETY (1956) (U) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 13 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Ashford Carbonel VH 01584 831574

13 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 13 Feb PECKING ORDER (PG) Garway VH 01600 750465 14 Feb A MAN CALLED OVE (15) Hope Bowdler VH 01694 723648 14 Feb MY COUSIN RACHEL (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 14 Feb GOING IN STYLE (12A) Cuddington and Sandiway VH 01606 888931 15 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Kinnerley Parish Hall 01691 682282 15 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Gorsley VH 01989 720358 15 Feb BRITAIN ON FILM - COAST AND SEA (U) Pudleston VH 01568 760606 16 Feb DEMAIN (TOMORROW) (PG) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 16 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12A) Clungunford Parish Hall 01588 660159 16 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12A) Conquest Theatre, Bromyard 01885 488575 16 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Alfrick & Lulsley VH 16 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Stoke Prior VH 07850 030821 16 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Sarn VH 01686 671205 16 Feb MY COUSIN RACHEL (12A) Bosbury Parish Hall 01531 640415 16 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) All Stretton VH 01694 723378 16 Feb VOLVER (15) Colwall VH 01684 540926 16 Feb HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (12A) Shifnal VH 01952 462787 17 Feb LION (PG) Yarpole Parish Hall 01568 780279 17 Feb MY FERAL HEART (12A) Tasley Parish Room 01746 764881

218

17 Feb GOING IN STYLE (12A) Upton upon Severn Memorial Hall 01684 591044 17 Feb HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) Ryton VH 01743 718237 17 Feb THE OLIVE TREE (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 17 Feb LOVE & FRIENDSHIP (U) Hanley Broadheath VH 01886 853195 17 Feb THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (2016) (15) Cleobury Mortimer Parish Hall 01299 271129 17 Feb JANE EYRE (2011) (PG) Belmont Hall, Wellington, www.theclifton.org 17 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Lady Emily Hall, Tarrington 01432 890720 17 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Bicton VH 01743 850495 17 Feb THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) Aston on Clun VH 01588 660545 19 Feb FRIED GREEN TOMATOES (PG) Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge Community Centre 01952 433297 19 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 20 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) The Royal British Legion, Newport 07886 697934 20 Feb THE MIDWIFE (12A) Acton Scott VH 01694 781260 21 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Myddle VH 01939 291014 21 Feb QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) Escleyside Hall 01981 510352 21 Feb THE HIPPOPOTAMUS (15) Chetton VH 01746 789257 22 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12A) Goodrich VH 01600 890609 22 Feb THE PARTY (15) Castlemorton Parish Hall 01684 833549 22 Feb LES MISERABLES (2012) (12A) Chelmarsh Parish Hall 01746 862884 22 Feb LOVE IS THICKER THAN WATER (15) Almeley VH 01544 327195 22 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Bagley Sports and Social Club 07773 983963 23 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Longden VH 07539 545846 23 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Marton VH 01938 580116 23 Feb CHURCHILL (PG) Little Wenlock VH 01952 505888 23 Feb DUNKIRK (2017) (12A) Market Theatre, Ledbury 07967 517125 23 Feb IN BETWEEN (15) Knighton Community Centre 07751 221487 23 Feb THE PARTY (15) Dorstone VH 01981 550943 23 Feb PECKING ORDER (PG) Whitchurch & Ganarew Memorial Hall 01600 890640 23 Feb THE ACCOUNTANT (15) Little Dewchurch VH 01432 840333

23 Feb FELICITE (12A) Leintwardine Community Centre 24 Feb THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) Cawley Hall, Eye 01568 615836 24 Feb BLADE RUNNER 20149 (15) Chapel Lawn VH 01547 530258 24 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Clifton on Teme VH 01886 812238 24 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 24 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Everest Hall, Llanfair Waterdine 01547 510672 24 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Neston Civic Hall 0151 336 7805 26 Feb THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 26 Feb LOGAN LUCKY (12A) The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock 01952 728911 27 Feb THE PARTY (15) Much Birch Community Hall 01981 540097 27 Feb A MAN CALLED OVE (15) Garway VH 01600 750465 27 Feb MY PURE LAND (15) Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 616460 27 Feb LION (PG) Loppington VH 01939 809236 1 March I AM NOT A WITCH Brilley VH 01544 327227

THE HAFREN 28 Feb MY COUSIN RACHEL (12) 1.30pm, £8 with light lunch (booking essential) or £3 film only. Hafren, Newtown, 01686 614555

THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 2 Feb THE CLAN (15) The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury 01743 234970

LEFT BANK, HEREFORD 27 Feb MONTEREY POP 28 Feb BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB: ADIOS Outdoor screenings. Hereford Left Bank, Bridge St, 7.30pm, 01432 357753

LINGEN FLIX 9 Feb THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (12) Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £5, children £3.50 01544 267736, www.lingen.org.uk

MONTGOMERY MOVIE CLUB (7.30pm). Dragon Hotel, Montgomery, mike.mills@montgomery-wales.uk

OLD MKT. HALL, SHREWS. 1 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) 2 - 8 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) 9 - 15 Feb THE POST (12A) 17 - 24 Feb COCO (PG)

16 - 22 Feb JOURNEY’S END (12A) 18 & 25 Feb STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) 23 Feb - 1 March THE MERCY (ctbc) See website for full details. 01743 281281

PLAYHOUSE, LEOMINSTER 3 Feb WIND RIVER 4 Feb MOTHER 10 Feb BLADERUNNER 2049 17 Feb THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US 24 Feb VICTORIA & ABDUL 26 Feb THE DEATH OF STALIN 27 Feb MY PURE LAND 1 March THE PARTY 2 March LAND OF MINE 3 March MAUDIE 4 March GOD’S OWN COUNTRY 10 March LOVING VINCENT 11 March TAWAI - A VOICE FROM THE FOREST Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster 01568 612583

PRESTEIGNE SCREEN 9 Feb THE PARTY (15) 23 Feb MY PURE LAND (15) 2 March THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, www.presteignescreen.org.uk

REGAL CINEMA, TENBURY 2 Feb PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (12A) 5 & 6 Feb THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS (PG) 8 Feb MOUNTAIN (PG) 9 & 10 Feb JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (12A) 12 & 13 Feb KALEIDOSCOPE (15) 13 Feb THE DINNER (15) 16 - 19 Feb THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) 20 Feb NINJAGO LEGO MOVIE (U) 26 & 27 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) 1 & 2 March JOURNEY’S END (12A) 5 - 8 March THE POST (12A) Details 01584 811442

R.N.C. FOR THE BLIND, HFD. 5 March NOTES ON BLINDNESS (ADR) Royal National College for the Blind, Venns Lane, Hereford 01432 376371

THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWS. 7 Feb & 9 March BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL (12A) Experience an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigous mountain film festival. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, 01743 281281

WYESIDE, BUILTH WELLS Until 13 Feb STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) Until 27 Feb DARKEST HOUR (PG) Until 29 March EARLY MAN (ctbc) 3, 4, 7 & 8 Feb STRONGER (15) 3, 4 6 & 8 Feb HUMAN FLOW (12A) 9 Feb - 29 March COCO (PG) 9 Feb - 7 March DOWNSIZING (15) 9 - 15 Feb THE POST (12A) 10 - 15 Feb THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (15) 12 & 17 Feb FERDINAND (U) 16 Feb - 15 March PHANTOM THREAD (15) 16 - 23 Feb INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY (15) 17 - 22 Feb THE COMMUTER (15) 23 Feb - 23 March FINDING YOUR FEET (12A) 9 - 15 March JOURNEY’S END (12A) 9 - 15 March FIFTY SHADES FREED (ctbc) Wyeside, Builth Wells 01982 552555

LIVE EVENTS ON SCREEN 7 Feb TOSCA Royal Opera House. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 5.55pm, 01584 811442. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. 10 Feb L’ELISIR D’AMORE Met Opera. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5pm, 01600 719401, The Courtyard, Hereford, 5pm, 01432 340555. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5pm, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5pm, 01600 719401. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 5pm, 01584 878141.

11 Feb TOSCA Royal Opera House. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583. 13 Feb TOSCA Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. 14 Feb TWELFTH NIGHT Royal Shakespeare Company. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, 01588 630321. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm,

01497 820322. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7pm, 01982 552555. 17 Feb LIBERTY EQUALITY FRATERNITY Australian National Theatre. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. 17 Feb TWELFTH NIGHT Royal Opera House. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 18 Feb TWELFTH NIGHT Royal Shakespeare Company. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583. 20 Feb ANDREA CHEINIER Teatro alla Scala. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 22 Feb CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF National Theatre. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7pm, 01952 728911. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7pm, 07967 517125. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, 01584 811442. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7pm, 01885 488575. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, 01600 719401. 22 Feb CEZANNE, PORTRAITS OF LIFE Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555. 22 Feb CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF National Theatre. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7pm, 01584 878141. 24 Feb LA BOHEME New York Met. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 5.30pm, 01885 488575. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 5.30pm, 01600 719401. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 5.30pm, 01584 878141.

The Winter’s Tale

25 Feb CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF National Theatre. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7pm, 01568 612583. 27 Feb LA BOHEME Met Opera. (Encore) The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, 01432 340555. 28 Feb THE WINTER’S TALE Royal Opera House. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.15pm, 01952 728911. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.15pm, 01588 630321. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 7.15pm, 07967 517125. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.15pm, 01432 340555. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.15pm, 01584 811442. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.15pm, 01885 488575. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 7.15pm, 01497 820322. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.15pm, 01600 719401. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.15pm, 01982 552555. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15pm, 01584 878141. 6 March CARMEN Royal Opera House. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 6.455pm, 01584 811442. Playhouse Cinema, Community Centre, Leominster, 7.15pm, 01568 612583. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, 6.45pm, 01497 820322. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 6.45pm, 01885 488575. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 6.45pm, 01982 552555.

13 March CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF National Theatre & The Young Vic. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, 01982 552555.

WORKSHOPS Sun 4 March MAKE A FILM IN A DAY For ages 9-13 years. Join Nick Brown from MASH Cinema to plan, storyboard, film, act and edit a short film using industry standard equipment. No previous experience necessary. Glasbury Village Hall, £13, www.glasburyarts.co.uk, 07583 544110. Wednesdays FILM MAKING CLUB The Courtyard, Hereford, 5.30pm, Ages 8-14 years, £73 per term, 01432 340555.

dance A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Sun 25 February MORRIS DANCING WORKSHOP Martha Rhoden’s Tuppenny Dish and Shropshire Bedlams bring energy, skill and wonderful sense of life enhancing pleasure. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 11am-1pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Tues 27 February DISCOVER DANCE Get dancing with National Dance Company Wales. Learn some moves from your seats, get on stage with the company of dancers and ask the dancers anything you like. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1pm, £5, 01874 611622.

Dance Performance Fri 16 February A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM BALLET THEATRE UK. With stunning choreography set to the iconic Mendelssohn score. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £15/£14, 01982 552555. Wed 21 February BEAUTIFUL SWEETSHOP REVOLUTIONS. Five extraordinary female dancers lead us through their own experience of sexuality and love and this is contrasted with an exploration of the history of women’s sexuality over the last 300 years. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01432 340555. Fri 23 February MAY CONTAIN FOOD, MAY CONTAIN YOU LUCA SILVESTRINI’S PROTEIN. A playful, immersive show that explores our relationship with food in an evening of indulgence, nostalgia and mischief. Clungunford Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £10/£5, 01588 660152. Arts Alive. Mon 26 February TERRA FIRMA NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY WALES will perform three pieces: Folk, Tundra and Atalay. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £15/£13, 01874 611622. Fri 2 March DANCING CLUB Written and directed by Caroline Jester. An empty ballroom is brought to life as tales of dancing and music across generations wake up the dance teachers. Clungunford Village Hall, 8pm, £10/£8, family £22, 01588 660152.

Thurs 8 March ENDARKEN A group expedition in the Black Mountains moving through dusk and into the night time with Movement Artist, Simon Whitehead and dancer, Cai Tomos. Starting from Peak, The Old School, Brecon Rod, Crickhowell, 6pm. Plus Peak Collective: ‘bring and share’ supper and artist talk with Simon and Cai from 7.30pm, donation £3, places limited, 01873 811579. POWYS DANCE CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY Powys Dance wishes to commission a feasibility study into the development of the Company’s base in Llandrindod Wells. The study is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and will include an architectural study and a business plan study. Tenders are invited from individuals or companies by 16 February. https://www.sell2wales.gov. wales/ Enter the code: JAN230913. ECSTATIC RHYTHMS DANCE – WITH CLIVE HEDGER This is a freestyle dance class drawing upon elements of 5 Rhythms, ecstatic / shamanic dance with some of the best ever music on a great sound system. No experience necessary. No steps to learn, just following your inner rhythms. Wear loose clothing and bring water. BRILLEY VILLAGE HALL HR3 6JG 1st Saturday of each month. The village hall is signposted from the Brilley to Kington road and is approximately 500 yards from St Mary’s church, Brilley. RHAYADER, CARAD MUSEUM & GALLERY, EAST STREET, LD6 5ER 4th Friday of each month. (These dates may occasionally be subject to change). 7.30pm £10 (concessions available). Info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 07905 743272 / 01982 552535. ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW CLASSES Mon - Circle Dancing, Studio, 1.45pm-3.45pm. Contact Kathryn Louhichi, 01584 877446. Tues Learn To Jive. Fun, easy to learn and no partner/experience needed. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 8-10pm, £5, 01989 750354.

Dance Workshops

Single, dated listings are free. Year round entries £40 Sat 24 February ALPHABET DANCERS English Country Dancing with the Alphabet Band. Dances from 1651 onwards, think Jane Austen in style. Come alone, as couples or a group, beginners welcome. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 3.30pm-5pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Terra Firma

May Contain Food, May Contain You

ALANYA’S BELLYDANCE CLUB - OPEN LEVEL Monkland Village Hall - Mondays 7.30-9pm. Miro Studio, Hereford - Fridays 10.30am-12pm. No-obligation taster £6, then pay per term or block. For information and other classes visit www.alanyabellydance. com or call Abbie on 07962 161081. DANCEFEST Mon - Hereford Chance to Dance (55+), 11.30am, St John’s Methodist Church Hall, Hereford. £58 a term. Tues - Dancefest classes for 4-16 year olds at The Courtyard, Hereford for 4-16 year olds from 4pm. £4 a week. Thurs - Kingsland and Bromyard Dancefest Clubs (6-11) 4pm, Kingsland Coronation Hall, Leominster; 5pm at Queen Elizabeth Humanities Colleges, Bromyard. £4 a week, www.dancefest.co.uk, 01905 611199. CROOKED STEEPLE MORRIS Women’s North West Clog Dancers. New members welcome. No experience necessary. Monday evening, 7.45-9pm, Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 8PE, £2.50 per session. Contact Linda or Nic 01746 718624, crookedsteeple@ btinternet.com APPLETREE ORGANISATION Tues - Belly Dance for Beginners, 2pm. Tues - Gym-Pan-Ze Rope & Trapeze for all, 5.30pm. Wed - Disco Dots, 10.30am, £3. Wed - Dance Crusaders for the over 50s, 2.30pm. Wed - Fuzion Dance, for ages 4 - adult, from 4pm. Wed - All Tap Sessions for 7 to 12+, from 4pm. Appletree Theatre, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, 07921 331764. COURTYARD, HEREFORD CLASSES Dancing Tots – Fridays 11.30am – 12.15pm, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Dancemakers Minis – Tuesdays 4pm – 4.45pm, Ages 4-6, £4 per session. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555. LEARN 2 JIVE BEGINNERS CLASSES Monday, 7.30-8.30pm, Bartestree Village Hall, Hereford, HR1 4BY. Mon, Pilates, Bartestree Village Hall, 6.30-7.30pm. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, SY8 1AZ. Tues, 7.30-8.30pm, Stretton Sugwas Village Hall, HR4 7PT. Tues, 7.30pm-8.30pm Pembridge Village Hall, HR6 9EB. Wed, 7.30-8.30pm, Methodist Church Hall, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8EE. Wed, 8-9pm, Holy Trinity Parish Hall, Malvern, WR14 4LR. Thurs, 8.30-9.30pm, Beginners

Lindy Hop, Bishop’s Frome Village Centre, WR6 5AZ. Contact Matt or Sarah on 01989 750354. orinfo@coolmovesdance.co.uk www.coolmovesdance. co.uk Coolmoves Dance & Fitness for adults. Mon SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING Join an enthusiastic adult group on Monday evenings to learn how to dance jigs, reels and Strathspeys at Llanelwedd School Hall, Builth Wells from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. £2 per session (first free). No need to bring a partner. Beginners and experts welcome. 01982 570324/01544 350707. Mon RIPPLERS DANCE CLASSES For 8-11 year olds. With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 4.45pm, £2-£3.50, 01982 552555. Mon YOUTH DANCE CLASSES Ages 11+. With Powys Dance. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 5.45pm, 01982 552555. Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat MID WALES DANCE ACADEMY Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623219. Tues FOXWELP MORRIS Why not try Morris dancing? We practice every Tues evening at 7.30pm in Moccas Village Hall from Sept to May. Mainly dances from the Cotswolds, but also some from the Welsh Borders. All sexes welcome, and ability to dance not necessary! Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 01544 327311 or Paul 01497 821003. Wed BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FOR MUMS AND TOTS! Dance Centre, Llandrindod Wells, 2-3pm, £3 drop in, for tots aged 8 months+, 01597 824370. Weds THE REBEL RAIDERS Linedancing, all abilities welcome. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 7-9.30pm, 01597 810561. Weds CIRCLE DANCING Leominster Community Centre 2.00-3.30pm All welcome, £4 per session. Transition Leominster 01568 620180. Thurs URBAN DANCE CLUB WITH 2FACED DANCE COMPANY Ages 7-11 years 4-5pm, ages 11+ 5-6pm. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 01584 813711. Fri (term time) VILLAGE BEATS SHAKE AND DANCE Come and dance to get that body and mind moving! Village Beats gives you a chance to drop out of that busy thinking mind and to drop down into your body. This is an active meditation to some a-m-a-z-i-n-g tunes! No steps tolerant. Nothing to get right or wrong. No upper age limit. All levels of physical fitness welcome. Little Birch Village Hall, Barrack Hill, Much Birch, Hereford, HR2 8AZ, 9.45-11.45am. Sessions are drop in, £8 per class. Contact Zoe 07879 425458. Fortnightly Sat CHORUS LINE Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623219.

Watchers of the Skies storytelling, poetry and music exploring one woman’s dramatic wartime voyage and her journey into the heart of epic poetry 02/03 Putley Village Hall 09/03 Bridgwater Arts Centre

www.watchersoftheskies.co.uk

food page The Stockton Cross Inn, Kimbolton

EFORE Mr P gets on with this month’s review, he hopes his readers will forgive a little preamble…. For most pubs in Herefordshire, Sunday lunch is the week’s banker, even on a cold day in early January. It’s a challenge that most landlords are aware of and to which, so far as their knowledge and ability allow, they try to rise. Mr P with the former Children’s Menu Consultant (now 6’ with a tenor voice) had arranged to meet his Lovely Companion for lunch on her way back from freezing her pedal extremities all morning at the Malvern Flea Market. The England’s Gate Inn, alongside the road to Gloucester in Bodenham offered a good midway point, and for some time Mr P had been planning to revisit the place. In his first acquaintance with the pub, its historic and then shambolic qualities were heightened by the supremely eccentric landlord, Mr Tony Shelley. Mr Shelley’s trustees had wisely bought the pub and housed him in it, in order that, whatever else he got up to, he would always have a roof over his head and a means of earning a living. There was, though, nothing they could have done about Mr Shelley’s erratic treatment of suppliers of beer and electricity. Unfamiliar distant breweries were seen to be supplying his cellar as closer ones became unwilling to deal with him, while, after the MEB had given up on him, power was provided by a generator droning in a back barn, and when the pink diesel dried up, the bar was heated with an enormous open fire and lit with candles. But that was all a long time ago. Mr Shelley died and new owners took over. Mr P used the pub often in the years that followed, enjoying a good conversational cut and thrust as well as the extravagant claims and unreliable fantasies of the local mole-catcher. His fondness for the place was encouraged after he won a Karaoke competition there. On his recent visit, he arrived looking forward to seeing how the old place was doing. It’s a handsome, ancient edifice, authentically well-furnished with a long-standing reputation for good, middle-of-the-road food. That Sunday morning it was heaving. Mr P has been around more than long enough to know that if one wants a decent lunch in a country pub on a Sunday, it is essential to book a table. With characteristic lack of planning, he had failed to do so.

A youngish man with a beard, as well as a somewhat rebarbative air told Mr P that there were no tables available. He expressed no regret and suggested no alternatives. Before Mr P had a chance to order something to drink while he adjusted his plans, the barman had gone to the other end of the bar to talk to a friend. Feeling disgruntled, but conscious of his own lack of forethought, Mr P cast around for an alternative, and remembering the Stockton Cross Inn in nearby Kimbolton gave them a ring. The alacrity and eager-

ness with which he was offered a table rang alarm bells, but not loudly enough to drown out the sound of the LC grinding her teeth with hunger. Externally, the Stockton Cross is a beautifully sited, handsome example of a timber-framed Herefordshire pub – a cider house when Mr P first came across it. Inside it boasts plenty of exposed oak beamery and large open fireplaces, attributes sadly wrecked here by ill-chosen saleroom furniture, a fake ‘wood burner’ in the fireplace, pink gauze drapes in the windows and, on the walls, a few lacklustre pictures of the building itself. Mr P watched guiltily as his Lovely Companion’s face fell in disappointment, but they were in, and it was too late to pull out. They gritted their teeth and sat down to read the menu. They all ordered roast beef. A conscientious waitress came back nervously to say that the beef could only be served well done. Mr P and the LC opted for roast lamb instead. The CMC stayed with the beef. As it turned out the species of the original beasts was immaterial. All three plates contained thick slices of meat of a hue which, in the Edward Bulmer paint chart, is described as Eau de Nil, and with the texture and flavour of a Texas cowboy’s well-used leather chaps. The awfulness of the meat wasn’t improved by a bowl of soggy overcooked vegetables, and an amorphous lump of batter, billed as ‘Yorkshire Pudding.’ But, dutifully, they chewed their way through it to the sounds of Abba and The Four Seasons. Hoping that it might raise their spirits a little, they ordered Christmas pudding and ice-cream to follow. Their spirits remained unraised; they paid their bill feeling cheated and sad that this potentially charming old pub had been so abused. However, sometimes horror stories do come to an end. Since his visit to the Stockton Cross, Mr Pernickety can report that just a week later, the incumbent culprits have moved out and the people behind the revived and already widely praised Baiting House at Upper Sapey are taking over. Mr P predicts that he will be back for another look a lot sooner than he’s expected. www.misterpernickety.com

EVENTS Thurs 15 February LE BISTRO DU LOUP POP-UP BISTRO Celebrate St Valentine’s. Enjoy a champagne cocktail, three delicious courses, coffee and live French cafe music. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 7pm for 7.30pm, £38 per person, please book in advance, 01547 550377. Fri 23 & Sun 25 February GREAT BC BAKE OFF REGISTRATION Choice of categories - signature bake, technical challenge or show stopper. Open to bakers of all ages/genders, plus new for 2018, an additional class for young bakers. Submit your bakes on Sun 25 Feb 12pm-1pm, 3pm for results and the Tea Party. Bank House B & B, 10am-5pm, 50p per entry. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Fri 23 February OOH LA LA - POP UP RESTAURANT Celebrate the food, people and places of France. Dressing up to be encouraged. Bank House B & B, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm & 9pm, £25 including welcome cocktail. Booking essential, email gerrybarwell@icloud. com www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sun 25 February THREE TUNS BREWERY TOURS With head brewer Steve Willmer. Three Tuns Brewery, 11am & 2pm, free, numbers limited so please book in advance, 01588 630200. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com First Saturday of every month PRESTEIGNE LOCAL FOOD MARKET Memorial Hall Presteigne, 9am-1pm. The best collection of artisan food producers in the area. 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month KNIGHTON COMMUNITY MARKET With live music a regular feature in the cafe. Knighton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm, 07751 221487. 3rd Saturday of every month FARMER’S MARKET Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 9am-1pm, 01588 630023. 3rd Saturday of every month PRODUCE MARKET Hightown Community Rooms, Vicarage Rd. Clun, 10.00am - 12.00pm. 01588 641180. Every Wednesday CURRY NIGHT Curry, naan bread and a drink, £10. Vegetarian option available. Oxford Arms, Kington. Every Thursday BURGER NIGHT Castle Inn, Wigmore, 01568 770203.

Kington Operatic Society

THE DRAGON’S EGG A PANTOMIME

Lady Hawkins’ Community Centre Thurs 22nd, Fri 23rd, Sat 24th Feb 7.30pm Saturday matinee at 2.30pm Tickets £7, £5 under 16s

Tom Bounds Electrical Kington 01544 231303 day 01544 231501 evenings

Every Thursday HAY MARKET DAY Local produce, meat and fish, hot food, artisan bread, cakes, crafts, vintage, plants and more. Memorial Square and Clock Tower, Hay-on-Wye, 9am-4pm, www.haymarkets.co.uk Every Thursday STEAK NIGHT Steak, chips, peas, mushrooms, onion rings with a drink, £10, Oxford Arms, Kington. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET 9-2pm Castle Square 01584 872043. Every Friday KINGTON LOCAL PRODUCE/CRAFTS MARKET Market Hall, Kington, 9am-1pm, 07867 483135.

FOOD BYTES AARDVARK BOOKS LTD, THE BOOKERY, MANOR FARM, BRAMPTON BRYAN, BUCKNELL 01547 530888 Cafe serving refreshments, cakes etc. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm. BLEDDFA CENTRE READING ROOM CAFE 01547 550377 Open Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am – 4:30pm. Café, gift shop and an eclectic selection of books to borrow or buy. Hot drinks, homemade cakes and simple snacks, “ginger cake to die for” NB: Closed in November throughout retreat. Open again 3 December. THE GREEN BEAN CAFE, WEOBLEY 01544 318865 Good, locally sourced, homemade food. Soups, all day light lunches, cakes and scones. Set in the heart of Weobley. Free wifi. Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-4pm. With The Green Bean Shop/Deli under the same roof. THE OLD STATION TEA ROOM, THE OLD RAILWAY STATION, NEW RADNOR, LD8 2SS 01544 350543. Visit us at the Old Station Caravan Park for hot drinks and homemade cakes. Superb views and free Wi-Fi. We can cater for small groups, meetings and other events. Accommodation also available. Open daily 9am-5pm, 1st March-31st October. THE ORGASMIC CIDER COMPANY, GREAT PARTON, EARDISLEY, HEREFORDSHIRE, HR3 6NX 01544 327244 or 07773 037448 Craft cider and perry off licence and gift shop with local products. Open Friday and Saturday 12 to 5pm. Group tours available. The India & China Tea Company at TOWER HOUSE GALLERY, HIGH STREET, KNIGHTON 01547 529530 www.galleryknighton.co.uk Homemade soups, breads and cakes, Italian blend coffee and over 30 different varieties of leaf tea. Wednesday to Saturday. 10.30 to 5.00, (Sun, Mon & Tues - CLOSED). THE WORKHOUSE CAFE, INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, PRESTEIGNE 01544 267864 Cafe, gallery, light lunches, good coffee, homemade cakes. Tues - Sat 10am - 4pm. RHOS MARKET GARDEN, KNIGHTON 01547 528315 Growers & providers of organic veg, fruit & flowers. Old Garage Shop, Knighton. Tues-Sat. Free parking, opposite library. Friday morning market stall in Presteigne. Veg boxes delivered to local area weekly. Restaurant orders welcome. info@rhosorganic.co.uk www.rhosorganic.co.uk YARBOROUGH HOUSE BOOKSHOP, MARKET SQUARE, BISHOP’S CASTLE 01588 638318 CAFE serving coffee, tea and cakes. Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 10am-5pm. SPECIALISES IN Secondhand classical music, 5000 CDs, 1000 LPs, 7000 books. Come and browse.

music

FEBRUARY

Orchestra of the Swan Wind Quintet

Thurs 1 February

VO FLETCHER Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. BYE BYE BABY Covering the journey of the Four Seasons. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21, 01432 340555. ELECTRIC OPEN MIC PA provided and house band. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells. ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, HR3 6LF, wwwlalmeleysteadysession. wordpress.com

THE ENDINGS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

BUFFALO GALS Miraculous Medicine Show, with a combination of music and far-fetched spectacle while selling seemingly miraculous elixirs. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575.

THE LOST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JAKE THACKRAY John Watterson celebrates the life and work of the great British song-smith Jake Thakray. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £15, 01600 772467.

Fri 2 February

HMV BAND Dun Cow, Shrewsbury.

SULTANA BROTHERS Blues, rock. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. THE LIGHTER THIEVES Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION Workshop and supper in 16th century black and white pub. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 7pm, further details 01584 810804.

Bye Bye Baby

LET’S GET QUIZZICAL The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £2 per person, 01497 821762. THE SYD LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £21/£20, 01432 340555. BUFFALO GALS See 1 Feb for details. Silvester Home Institute, Church Stretton, 7.30pm, £12, 01694 720132. Arts Alive.

MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

Sat 3 February DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366. VERN Reet Petite, West St, Leominster. BACH MAGNIFICAT Featuring Cantorion Llandrindod and Irfon Singers with The Peregrine String Orchestra. Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, £12.50, under 18s free from The Herb Garden Community Cafe or 01597 829252. MONTARAY JACK & THE MALCOLMTENTS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. THE ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: WIND QUINTET Programme includes Hungarian and German baroque, French impressionism and more. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, £18, 01432 340555. BRIT POP Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234. RUTH BOWEN’S GARDENIA SWING Great jazz and swing tunes. Saturday Cafe, The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-2pm, free.

Dom Pipkin, Velvet Violin

MR WOODNOTE & THE MOST TRIO Hip-hop and funk flavours with jazz and dance harmonies. Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £6, 01497 821762. NOBLE JACKS IN CONCERT High quality, entertaining folk and storytelling. Bockleton Parish Hall, 7pm, £10, £6.50 under 14s, £30 family, 01568 750414. UPBEAT BEATLES Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 811442. BUFFALO GALS See 1 Feb for details. Chelmarsh Parish Hall, 7.30pm, £12/£7, 01746 862104. Arts Alive.

Sun 4 February SOEUR / NUNS OF THE TUNDRA / NAVAOJO ACE / ESTEBAN / AS MAMAS The Marrs Bar, Worcester, 7pm, £5 online, £7 on the door.

Sat 3 February LOCKED AND LOADED Rock and Indie covers. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 9pm. TWO PUSH CHARLIE Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

RHINESTONE COWBOY The Glen Campbell story. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. OPEN MIC Ledbury Community Hall, 7pm, £5, bring a bottle, 01531 632968.

VELVET VIOLIN Featuring Dom Pipkin, one of the best interpreters of New Orleans piano in the UK; Whiskey River play Americana, Cajun, Zydeco, good Country and low down dirty blues with a dangerous edge. Plus a quiz. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, £12 from Courtyard Antiques or 01544 267163. THE HONEYBOY HICKLING BAND Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm. BOON DOGZ The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. BUFFALO GALS Steiner Academy, Much Dewchurch, 4pm, £10/£6, 01981 540221. Arts Alive.

Mon 5 February CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www. roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub. CLASSIC ROCK SHOW Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £35-£25, 01743 281281.

Tues 6 February VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Rose & Crown, Ludlow, 9pm. OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, free, 01497 821762. UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07970 343148.

WORST KEPT SECRET Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. WORRIED MEN Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford. ROTARY YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Area final. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 2pm, free, 01982 552555. SUPER SONIC DISCO The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £10, 01497 821762. SHREWSBURY JAZZ NETWORK Featuring Alison Rayner Quintet. A tuneful evening of jazz with other flavours, Latin, funk, folk, expertly mixed in. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £15, under 22’s £7, www.shrewsburyjazznetwork.co.uk

Bybrook Duo

Wed 7 February THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening with the Speedgums. Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door. THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Thurs 8 February ACOUSTIC/SEMI-ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC NIGHT All styles, levels and instruments welcome. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm. THE ALMELEY STEADY SESSION Playing tunes at a pace to suit everybody from relative beginners at 8pm, then normal session at 10pm. The Bell Inn, Almeley, HR3 6LF, almeleysteadysession.wordpress.com

Fri 9 February THE GREATEST HITS OF MOTOWN Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25-£23, 01743 281281. DARKSHIRE PRESENTS Revaux and Deadline. The Speakeasy, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9.30pm, £7 before 10.30pm, £9 after, 01432 357753. FOLK IN THE FOYER Featuring Horizon Lights and The Stoned Cherries. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, 01885 488575. THE WEEKENDERS Dun Cow, Shrewsbury. THE EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Present a celebration of choral music in film and television. Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £12 incl. programme, under 18s free, 01584 878141 or www.edgechamberchoir.yolasite.com

PIGDAZE Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. JOE DOLMAN The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762. SMOKEROOM Classic rock covers. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. VO FLETCHER Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. MARIA MARCHANT Piano. Programme includes Beethoven, Brahms, Granados, Debussy, Schubert and Liszt. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, 01873 850805.

Sat 10 February

PIPE DREAM Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 9pm. TICKLING THE IVORIES A Hundred Years of Comedy Song. Michael Lunts with his popular show which includes songs from Noel Coward, Monty Python, Cole Porter and more. St Leonard’s Church, Yarpole, 7.30pm, £10 in advance from Yarpole Community Shop or £12 on the door. LIVE MUSIC Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234. WILL KILLEEN BAND Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford. THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE Presented by Keith James. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £14, students £8, 07967 517125.

BREABACH Nominated ‘Best Group’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2017. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £15, 01873 850805.

BETH PRIOR AND WILL BARNES With guest support from Mollie’Ann. Folk, reggae and soul. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7.30pm, £7, 01588 630023.

THE EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Present a celebration of choral music in film and television. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £12 incl. programme, under 18s free, 01584 878141 or www.edgechamberchoir.yolasite.com

J ALEXANDER & THE BLUES DEVILS Richmond Place Club, Edgar St, Hereford, 3-5pm.

THE SWITCH Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250. TWO TONE REVUE The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford. DANNI G Rock ‘n’ roll. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 9pm, free, 01432 357753. BYBROOK DUO Catherine Chamberlin, violin and Lorna Davis, cello. Programme includes Beethoven, Bartok, Martinu and more. Community Hall, New Radnor, 7.30pm, £8, under 14s, £3, 01544 350268. Bar available.

Sun 11 February

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC Yew Tree, Peterstowe, 7.30pm. BOCHMANN TRIO + CATHERINE HANDLEY (FLUTE) Programme includes Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and an original work by acclaimed Malvern composer and arranger Derek Smith. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 3pm, £12 (st £6) from Hereford Courtyard 01432 340555, Leominster TIC 01568 616460, or www.courtyard.org.uk FIVE MINUS THREE The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. FRAN MCGILLIVRAY & MIKE BURKE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

QUIZ NIGHT & SUPPER Teams of four, £2.50 per person incl. supper. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm. LIVE JAZZ Plus Sunday roast. Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or book a table for lunch. The Cliffe at Dinham, Halton Lane, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063

Tues 13 February OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, free, 01497 821762. BRECON JAZZ CLUB Featuring Blue Haze Quartet. Simon Deeley, keyboard and Martha Skilton on saxophone. Muse, Brecon, 8pm, £10/£8, info@breconjazzclub.org

Wed 14 February KITCHEN ISLAND BAND Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, £20 includes meal, please book in advance, 01568 612876 or email noriscafe@yahoo.com DEBORAH ROSE Chang Thai Bar, 3 Market St, Ludlow, 8pm, 01584 874212. RO SAINSBURY TRIO Housman’s Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton.

OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun. THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

Thurs 15 February MONTGOMERY MUSIC Present Harp Extravaganza with master Welsh harpist Robin Huw Bowen and the Harp Twins. Programme ranges from Iron Maiden and the Stones to traditional Welsh harp music and their own compositions. Montgomery Town Hall, 7.30pm, £10, £5 under 18s, 01686 669730. MARK STEVENSON Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8pm. FOLK NIGHT Irish/English traditional tunes and song. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm.

Fri 16 February VELVET & STONE A unique twist on folk music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762. MAMMA FUNK The Barrels, St Owen St, Hereford. HOLDING ZERO Dun Cow, Shrewsbury. PHASE SEVEN Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FRIDAY NIGHT TURN-TABLES Charmless Man ‘Alternative Valentine’s Disco’. An evening of alternative foot tappers. Chang Thai Bar, 3 Market St, Ludlow, 01584 874212. OPEN MIC Reet Petite, West St, Leominster. ECHO BANDITS Rock covers. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. FEDORA CHIC Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. JUST ADELE Christina Rogers and her nine-piece band. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £17/£15, 01874 611622.

Sat 17 February DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366. CALL OF THE KRAKEN Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250. NEIL REES KARAOKE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234. RUBBLE The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford. ONE2MANY Reet Petite, West St, Leominster.

Thurs 22 February

The Eskies

MAWKIN Folk. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £14/£12, 01432 340555. ORGAN RECITAL By Mike Plunkett. St John’s Parish Church, Bishop’s Castle, 12.30pm, www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com MICHAEL BOCHMAN IN CONCERT Violin music from Bach to Paganini, plus folk and modern melodies. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 4pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Sat 17 February

Tues 20 February

RETRO REWIND 70s/80s disco. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, £10, fancy dress recommended, 01432 357753.

HAY MUSIC Featuring Oriental Miscellany. First published in Calcutta in 1789, Bird’s transcription of Indian vocal music in Western notation is widley considered to be the first work of East-West fusion. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-onWye, 7.30pm, £14, 01497 820322.

TREVOR DAVIES TRIO Jazz. Aardvark Books, Brampton Bryan, 11am-2pm, cafe, free, 01547 530744. BLACK AND BLUES Jazzy, bluesy, funky sounds. King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 9pm. QUILL Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £20, 01584 878141. 21ST RORKE’S DRIFT CONCERT Featuring over 100 young cadet force musicians from across the UK. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £10/£9, 01874 611622. MR BLACK Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. NEIL YOUNGER A Cardiff-based band formed around the love for alt-folk legend Neil Young. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £5, 01497 821762. PHOENIX Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford.

OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, free, 01497 821762. FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS The first traditional folk act to land a UK top ten album. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25, 01743 281281.

Wed 21 February MARTIN & ELIZA CARTHY Dr Martin Carthy and his Mercury nominated daughter Eliza Carthy join forces. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £16/£15, 01982 552555. AMERICANA SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells, 8pm. THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

THE ESKIES ‘And Don’t Spare the Horses’ tour. Plus support from Huw Eddy & The Carnival. Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, £10 in advance, £12 on the door, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.co.uk RED HOT BOOGIE 60’s night. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £12, 07967 517125.

Sun 18 February CHRIS JAMES The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. LIVE MUSIC Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

MAX BOYCE Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £26.50, 01743 281281.

Huw Eddy & The Carnival, 17 Feb

BALKAN CEILIDH Led by Rosa James and live music from Bellamonda. No partners needed. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £6.50/£4.50. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com BARRY STEELE & FRIENDS The Roy Orbison Story 30 Year Special. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £23.50, 01743 281281.

Fri 23 February PSYCHEDELIC HEARTS CLUB Upton Bishop Village Hall, 7pm, £8, 01989 780495. DJ NIGHT With Jon Bengry, Glenn Parry and Mark Grant. Reet Petite, West St, Leominster. BEKI BRINDLE WITH STICKY WICKET AND FRIENDS Funky blues, rock and swing. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10, tickets from Town Hall. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com TREVOR BABAJACK STEGER Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm. JIMMY OSMOND AND HIS BAND A tribute to Andy Williams - ‘Moon River and Me’. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £30/£27.50, £75 VIP, 01874 611622.

Quill, 17 Feb

THE MOSCOW DRUG CLUB Combining elements of 1930’s Berlin cabaret and Gypsy jazz with the their original material, Moscow Drug Club provide an intoxicating musical experience. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8pm, £10 from The Workhouse or wegottickets.com JOHNNY TRASHED Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford. TOM GRIFFIN Unique mix of acoustic and electric guitar based blues, jazz and folk inspired music. De Koffie Pot, The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, free, 01432 357753. DYNAMITE DICK BAND Bull Inn, Shrewsbury.

FOLK CONCERT: A HYMN FOR ANCIENT LAND Guitarists and singer-songwriters Jim Ghedi, Toby Hay and David Roberts will each perform a set as part of Ghedi’s album release tour. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 7.30pm, £8, 01547 550377. CALLING CARD Rock and pop covers. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT Featuring Builth Male Voice Choir, Sorela and Builth Wells Primary School Choir. Strand Hall, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £8, 01982 552922.

Sat 24 February FLEETWORD BAC Tribute act. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £16, 01600 772467. LIVE MUSIC The Stag, Llanidloes. CHERRIES REUNION Relive those memories of Hereford’s first discotheque. Fancy dress optional. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, 8pm, £10, 01432 357753.

PROFESSOR ELEMENTAL & RUFUS MUFASA An evening of alternative hip hop, headed by that world famous, time-travelling, steampunking chap; Prof. Elemental. The Old Mill Bar, High St, Llanidloes, 8pm, £10, 01686 412008. BLACK MAX & THE PIRATES Reet Petite, West St, Leominster. HANNAH LOCKERMAN BAND Top jazz and soul fusion. The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-2pm, free.

Martin & Eliza Carthy, 21 Feb

PAUL PARKER & ALL THE RIGHT FRIENDS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. LIVE DINNER JAZZ Local quartet plays well-known standards, Latin and blues. Free entry, cocktails, light bites or book a table for lunch. The Cliffe at Dinham, Halton Lane, Ludlow, 12.30-3pm, 01584 872063. THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.50-£22.50, 01743 281281.

MEN FROM OFF & FRIENDS 14 local blokes who are known as The Fairly Close Harmony Singers. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com

Mawkin, 22 Feb

NEWPORT HOUSE BAROQUE CONCERT Featuring David Hatcher, Hilary Norris and Joris Boon. Music from all over Europe for harpsichord, viols and cello. Newport House, Almeley, 3pm, £15, students £5, 01544 328473. KNIGHTON & DISTRICT CONCERT SOCIETY Featuring Roth Guitar Duo. St Edward’s Church Hall, Knighton, 3pm, £12, £2 students, 01547 520756. CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £25.50-£23, 01743 281281.

Mon 26 February Sat 24 February THE ROVING CROWS Market Theatre, Ledbury, 8pm, £13, 07967 517125. JETHRO TULL’S DEE PALMER A night of music and cabaret. Knucklas Community Centre, 7.30pm, £10, 01547 528792. MR TEA AND THE MINIONS High energy Balkan party music. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £8, 01497 821762. BLACK AND BLUES BAND The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford. ABOUT MUSIC PROJECT MUSIC SHOWCASE Wyson with support. The Underground, Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, £4. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com RAPSQUILLION CONCERT With guests Sam and Maddy. Traditional folk, jazz, music hall and hymns. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 8pm, £10. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com EIRA/SNOW Lyndon Owen and Caractacus Downes play Celtic, Middle Eastern and European music. St Margaret of Antioch, Wellington, Herefordshire, 7.30pm, £8.50 in advance or on door, 01600 712613. LUCK PIERRE Llanerch Inn, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 822234.

ELIAS STRING QUARTET Programme includes works by Schubert and Dvorak. Ludlow Music Society. Moor Park, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £18, £6 students, from Assembly Rooms, Ludlow or on the door.

ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT Featuring Newtown Male Voice Choir and Orthopaedic Male Voice Choir. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £20, 01743 281281.

Sun 25 February THE SUNDAY EVENING CHILL Live music from local bands and artists. The Red Lion, Knighton, 7.30pm, 01547 428080. KRIS DOLLIMORE Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm. BISHOP’S CASTLE ORCHESTRA Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 4pm. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com LIVE MUSIC The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 3pm. XL’S Gordon Bennetts Bar, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250.

Moscow Drug Club, 24 Feb

DR CHAN / PABLO ALTO / AS MAMMAS Heroes, Worcester, 8pm, £4 on the door.

Tues 27 February OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, free, 01497 821762. BRECON BITES Featuring Royal Welsh College Harps. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1pm, £5, £7.50 with tea and cake, 01874 611622.

Wed 28 February THE BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS All proceeds will be donated to SSAFA, the armed forces charity. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £16, 01874 611622.

WILL KILLEEN Yew Tree, Peterstow, 9pm.

Sat 3 March JOEL’S WISH BREWERY BOP Featuring Skaburst and supported by The Drop. Ludlow Brewery, The Railway Shed, Ludlow, £7, 01584 873291. THE WEEKENDERS Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. SONIC HIGHWAY Vaga Tavern, Hereford, 9pm.

Brecon Bites - Royal Welsh College Harps, 27 Feb

Wed 28 February PAPRIKA BLUES TRIO Housman’s Cafe & Bar, Church Stretton. THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke.

MARCH Thurs 1 March BLUES BAND Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50-£20, 01743 281281. KIT HAWES AND AARON CATLOW Acoustic, folk and roots music incorporating fiddle, guitar and voice. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £10, under 18s £6, 01588 630321. ALMELEY STEADY SESSION The Bells Inn, Almeley, near Kington, HR3 6LF, wwwlalmeleysteadysession. wordpress.com SINFONIA CYMRU & GABOR TAKACS-NAGY Programme includes Huw Watkins, Mozart and Bartok. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £16/£12, 01686 614555.

Fri 2 March MARK LATIMER / TREV DAVIES TRIO Chequers, Etnam St, Leominster.

JIVE TALKIN’ Present The Bee Gees. Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells, 7.30pm, £22.50/£18.50, 01597 258118, www.pavilionmidwales.co.uk

JUGGENAUGHT A Birmingham based trio, led by pianist Piera Okando. Incorporating soundscapes and open passages with grooves and structured bass lines, the band bring exciting new influences into the modern piano trio. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, £12 music only, dinner available at £8 per person, 01588 676060. BO WALTON & RED ALERT Rock ‘n’ roll. The Golden Cross, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford. REMI HARRIS TRIO The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, £12, 01432 357753. LEOMINSTER EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND ‘Time Stands Still’. A programme of Elizabethan and Jacobean songs and keyboard music by Simon and David Ponsford. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 7.30pm, £12, students £6, 01568 616460. TOP BANANA Bull Inn, Shrewsbury. HEATWAVE Plus special guest, Odyssey. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24.50-£22.50, 01743 281281.

LEOMINSTER EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND ‘John Ogilby - Dancer, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’. A presentation in words, music and dance featuring Mary Collins, Steven Player, Joy Smith and Aaron McGregor. 11am, £12, students £6. ‘Craftsman’s Art & Music’s Measure’. A presentation on the making and playing of medieval instruments by expert, Alan Crumpler, 3pm, £6. ‘Ecco la Primavera!’ Stories of love, life and death in 14th century Florence with Vivabiancaluna Biffi and David Hatcher, 7.30pm, £12, students £6. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 01568 616460. DISCO With resident DJ. Ducker Bar & Beer Garden, 11 South St, Leominster, 8-11pm, 01568 612366. SONS OF YODA Black Lion, Bridge St, Hereford. OPEN MIC Ledbury Community Hall, 7pm, £5, bring a bottle, 01531 632968. SULTANA BROTHERS The Plough, Whitecross, Hereford. ERIA/SNOW A multi-instrumentalist from Monmouth. The music draws on influences from across Europe and the Middle East, but includes a fond passion for the Celtic influences of home. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £8.50, 01588 630023.

Sun 4 March WORRIED MEN Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 4.30pm.

Juggenaught

FEBRUARY MUSIC

Sat 3 - VERN

Fri 16 - OPEN MIC

Sat 17 - ONE2MANY

Fri 23 - DJ NIGHT with Jon Bengry, Glenn Parry and Mark Gaunt Sat 24 - BLACK MAX AND THE PIRATES

Open Mic Every 3rd Friday in the month - 16 February Jazz and Tapas with Mark Latimer & Ruth Bowen Every 3rd Wednesday in the month - 21 February

Reet Petite, 18 West Street, Leominster

07484 545368

WEA HEREFORD BRANCH Spring 2018 Workshops

WEA in partnership with Hereford Cathedral Library 10am-12.30pm at the Cathedral Library Mon 5th March The Wandering Manuscripts

Charity No. 1112775

WEA in partnership with Herefordshire Council

10am-12noon at MRLC, Friar Street, Hereford Thurs Mar 8th Dress & the 18th C Rural Idyll Thurs Mar 15th What were women’s lives really like 100 years ago? Weds Mar 21st All that glitters... an exploration of archaeological finds of everyday life Mon Mar 26th The Birds of Herefordshire. 10am-12noon at HARC, Rotherwas, Hereford Fri Apr 13th A Munitionette’s View Thurs Apr 19th The Life & Diary of Rev. Francis Kilvert Weds Apr 25th Decorative Papers in the Library & Archive Collections Mon Apr 30th “Well & Soundly Built”-The Burghill Mental Hospital Cost £10 each workshop Explore fascinating historical artefacts with experts. Places limited, to book or for further details contact 01432 880545 10am - 4.00pm at HARC Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6LA Sat April14th Beginner’s Introduction to Handwriting 1550-1700 Charlotte Berry will give an overview of the styles of scripts used in a range of historical document types. Practical sessions including key skills & strategies will help you read example texts. Cost £22, to book contact 01531 634460.

Email herefordbranch@wea.org.uk

Sun 4 March LEOMINSTER EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND ‘Duarte Lobo: Missa pro Defunctis’. 16th century choral music from Portugual and Spain with Border Voices. Lion Ballroom, Leominster, 7.30pm, free entry with retiring collection, 01568 616460.

Mon 5 March CIDER CITY JAZZMEN The Barrels, St Owen’s St, Hereford, 01432 274968. BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB Brimfield Village Hall, Brimfield, near Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 711480 www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub.

Tues 6 March ACOUSTICA: DEVON COFFEY Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £2.50, 01686 614555. RICK SAUNDERS & VO FLETCHER Nori’s Cafe, Leominster, £25 includes meal, please book in advance, 01568 612876 or email noriscafe@yahoo.com UPTON BISHOP JAZZ CLUB Featuring Cafe Manouche. The Millennium Hall, Upton Bishop, 7.30pm, tickets £10, 07970 343148.

Wed 7 March THE DRAGON BAND The Horse and Jockey, Churchstoke. THE BUTCHERS DOGS Toby and John invite you to a fun musical evening with the Speedgums. Dukes Arms, Presteigne, 8.30pm, £3 on the door.

COUNTRY FURNITURE FOR SALE

Sorela, St David’s Day Concert, 23 Feb

Music Workshops Wed 21 - Sun 25 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS 24 Feb - Singing Workshop with Rapsquillion. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am-12.30pm, free. 24 Feb - Young Musicians Workshop with Gersom Engels. For all young musicians of all abilities to try out new instruments, improvisation and more. For ages 8+. The Underground, Public Hall, Station St, Bishop’s Castle, 4-6pm, £4, 07850 423081. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sat 24 February MUSIC FOR LENT FROM 17TH CENTURY MEXICO A Border Marches Early Music Forum workshop for singers and some instruments: viols, recorders, curtals, cornetts, sackbuts and large shawms. (A = 440) Tutor: David Hatcher. 10am-4.30pm. Bartestree Village Hall, near Hereford, HR1 4BY. £14 for Early Music Fora members, £16 for non-members, £5 for students. Prior booking essential. Contact Marna Gowan on 01684 565 707 or marna.gowan@btinternet.com For further details and an application form see www.bmemf.org.uk Sun 25 February SHROPSHIRE HARMONY QUIRE We sing and play mainly West Gallery music, which is energetic, rousing, no-nonsense stuff that is great fun to perform. It is what you would have heard in rural parish churches in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Led by Sue Harris. FREE for newcomers! Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, Station Street. 2-5 pm. Enquiries: bosky@btinternet. com

Call Martyn on

07831 646977

TREE PRUNING SERVICES From one branch to an entire orchard. Call Adrian: 01544 260656

Sat 3 March IRISH FIDDLE DAY With tutor: Karen Ryan. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms. This workshop is for experienced folk fiddle players who are used to learning ‘by ear’. Classical players with no previous folk experience are also welcome. Karen will teach traditional jigs reels and polka including bowing, ornamentation and traditional style. 10am-5.30pm, £48 including refreshments. Advance booking essential. Please contact Kitty: folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com 01584 841564.

Tuesday ST MICHAELS SINGERS Welcome interest from new singers, (particularly basses and tenors!) If you are interested please phone our Chairperson Pat Mutton on 01584 819875. We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in St Michael’s Village Hall, near Tenbury Wells.

Sat 10 March SENFL AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES A Border Marches Early Music Forum workshop for recorder players (A = 440). Tutor: Grace Barton. 10.am until approx. 4.30pm The Lion Ballroom, Leominster, HR6 8BT. £12 for Early Music Fora members, £15 for non-members, £5 for students. Prior booking essential. Contact Fran Johnstone on 01544 267397 or fjjohnstone@btinternet.com For further details and an application form see www.bmemf.org.uk

Tuesday DOLAU MIXTURES Mixed choir. Dolau Community Hall, Llandrindod Wells, 8pm, 01597 851427.

Monday THE GARRICK SINGERS The Courtyard, Hereford, 12-1.30pm and 2-3.30pm. £5 per session, 01432 340555. Mondays ALIVE & KICKIN’ CHOIR Old Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon, 7-9pm, £5 public, £3 students/staff. tanyawalkermusic@hotmail.com Mondays BRECON TOWN BAND REHEARSALS Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 623650. Mondays CRAVEN ARMS MALE VOICE CHOIR All ages welcome singing a broad repertoire of traditional and modern songs. Practice at The Craven Arms Community Centre, 7.30pm. To find out more contact Martin on 01694 722500. Mondays BEAT IT - DRUMMING FOR DEMENTIA Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 1-3pm, free, 07875 090946. Monday BANDAMANIA Traditional dance music from far and wide. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne 7.15pm, Sue Harris 01547 550158. Tuesday LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY CHOIR Choir leader: Olivia Preye. No auditions, no need to read music. World, folk music, anything goes. 7-8.30pm at Leominster Community Centre. Info: contact anniewood@ myphone.coop 01568 369074.

Tuesdays SAMBA BRECON We are a friendly community band which meets each week to practice drumming and have fun. Sue on 07792 165481 or Gill on 01497 821631. 7-9pm, Village Hall just outside Brecon.

Tuesday WHITTON VOICES Mixed community choir. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, 8-10pm, £6. All welcome. Led by Sue Harris, 01547 550158. Wednesdays PLAY IT BY EAR For all melody instruments. Learn essential repertoire and take part in local pub sessions. This sociable course will develop your musicianship and understanding of folk traditions. Expert guidance from tutor Kitty Greenwood. Booking essential. For full details contact Kitty 01584 841564 folkfiddleteacher@gmail.com Wednesdays CASTLE VOICES Community choir, songs from around the globe, all taught by ear, led by Sue Harris. Bishop’s Castle Town Hall, 7-8.30pm, £6, 01547 550158. Wednesdays CON ANIMA Early music group based in Bishop’s Castle, singing renaissance and baroque music a capella and led by George Baker. Contact Jaqueline jacquelinesw@hotmail. co.uk Wednesday ROCKSPRING COMMUNITY CHOIR All welcome particularly men! Minimal charge. Rockspring Community Centre, Ludlow. 01584 529053. Wednesday LUDLOW LARKS COMMUNITY CHOIR Led by Polly Bolton. Songs from around the world. Ludlow Women’s Centre, 7.30pm-9.30pm. 01584 823609 or info@oak-barn.co.uk or www.jollypages.co.uk/larks Wednesday DRUMMING FOR DEMENTIA The Courtyard, Hereford, 2-3.30pm, £2 per session, 01432 340555. Thursday EDGE CHAMBER CHOIR Auditioned chamber choir led by Ros Crouch. Friends Meeting House, Ludlow, 7.30-9.30pm. 01584 841053 or ros.crouch@gmail.com

AARDVARK BOOKS & CAFE New website: www.aardvark-books.com

50,000+ titles; North Herefordshire’s largest indie bookseller; We buy books Specialist in art, design, photography, history, gardening

Also open our superb CAFÉ!

The Bookery, Manor Farm, Brampton Bryan, Bucknell, SY7 0DH Off A4113 Knighton Road. Tel: 01547 530744 OPEN EVERY DAY aardvaark@btconnect.com www.aardvark-books.com Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm

VALENTINE’S EVENT!

Saturday 17 February, 10am-5pm Live music - Trevor Davies Trio. History crafts for children in the Bookburrow. Home-made chocolates by Sarah Rogers. Paperback book signing of KJ Whittaker’s ‘False Lights.

Chicago Blues Band, 25 Feb

Friday FAMILY MUSIC MAKERS Fun sessions for parents and toddlers 12.30-2pm, £4 per adult and child pair, under 1s free. The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Sessions First Saturday OPEN MIC Greyhound Inn, Llangunllo, 9pm, 01547 550400. First Saturday FOLK & IRISH SESSION Harp Inn, Glasbury-on-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373. First Saturday of month PICKIN’ AT THE BIRD The Bird in Hand, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, 01743 357484, 9pm. 3rd Saturday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Harp Inn, Glasburyon-Wye, 8.30pm, free, 01497 847373. Thursday BELLA A CAPPELLA All-female 4-part close harmony singing group. Oscars, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.15-9.45pm, email aimoevo@hotmail.co.uk Thursday PRESTEIGNE POP CHOIR Contact John Hymas for details: 07969 440183, john@johnhymas.com Thursday VOICE ACADEMY AT THE COURTYARD For ages 13+. The Courtyard, Hereford, 4.30-6pm, £4 per session, 01432 340555. Thursday CLUNSONGBIRDS 10 -11.30am in Hightown Hall. Songs to brighten up the day, all taught by ear. £5 per week. Led by Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com Thursday CANTORION LLANDRINDOD Mixed choir, early/classical music. Howey VH, 7.45pm, 01874 754774. 1st and 3rd Thursdays HEREFORD CHANTING CIRCLE 11am-1pm plus one Friday evening 8pm - 10pm. Beautiful chants from a variety of spiritual traditions, no need to be a ‘singer’, just sing from the heart, all welcome. Contact Mike: 01432 261222 mikejhadden@gmail.com or www.karimandsusanne.co.uk First Thursdays BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB 2pm at the Crown Inn Longtown. Free. 01432 263495. Friday MUSIC TIME For under 5s. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 10.30am-11.30am, 01743 234970.

Trevor Davies Music

For all your musical needs 87 Etnam Street, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 8AE tel: 01568 613611

We stock Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, Fernandez, Epiphone, Indie, Aria, Ovation, Adamas, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Crafter, Burns, Washburn, Jackson, AER, Marshall, Hartke, Carlsbro, Laney, Zoom, Digitech, Tama, Casio. Plus many other brands. Approximately 500 guitars in stock and Brass, Woodwind, Drums, Keyboards, accessories and thousands of music books and sheet music.

Every Sunday FOLK SESSION The Old Mill, Llanidloes, 8pm, 01686 412008, all welcome. Every Sunday OPEN MIC Stag, Llanidloes, 6.30pm, 01686 414824. 2nd Sunday ACOUSTIC MUSIC SESSION Jill and Mark (from the Rhythm Thieves) hosting. All styles welcome. The Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm. 2nd and 4th Sunday FOLK SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267. 3rd Sunday ACOUSTIC SESSION Arvon Ale House, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, 4pm, 07477 627267. Last Sunday SUNDAY SOUL SESSION The Corners Inn, Kingsland, 8.30pm, free, 01568 708385. Every Monday ACOUSTIC NIGHT The Golden Lion Hotel, Llandysilio, near Welshpool, 01691 830295. Every Monday OPEN MIC NIGHT Bull Inn, Shrewsbury, 01743 344728. Every Monday BRECON TOWN BAND Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7-9pm. 01874 623650. First Monday BRIMFIELD FOLK CLUB 01584 711480 and the website at www.roger435.wixsite.com/brimfieldfolkclub First Monday AMERICANA SESSION The Grape Vaults, Leominster, 01568 611404. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 01497 821762. Every Tuesday OPEN MIC Run by Moz, PA provided, all welcome. Castle Vaults, Shrewsbury.

Langstaffe Violins John Langstaffe

Maker & Restorer of Violins, Violas & Cellos Repairs, Fitting Up, Tonal Adjustments etc Room 12, 2nd Floor, Lion House 15, Broad Street, Leominster HR6 8BT

We also stock a selection of new and antique instruments and accessories T: 01568 620120 M: 07901 064875

www.langstaffe-violins.co.uk

Every Tuesday TUESDAY JAM SESSION The Falcon Hotel, Bromyard, 8-11pm, 01885 483034. 3rd Tuesday FOLK NIGHTS The Crown Inn, Longtown, 8pm. e-Newsletter john.baxter87@btinternet.com Last Tuesday HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS Ledbury, www.folklife.org.uk/homend-poets.html 01684 563281. (Sept-May). Every Wednesday JAZZ EVENING Incorporating all styles of jazz. Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060. Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC NIGHT Baskerville Hall Hotel, near Hay-on-Wye, 8.30pm, 01497 820033. Every Wednesday ACOUSTIC SESSION Prince of Wales, Ledbury, 8.45pm, 01531 632250. Alternate Wednesdays FOLK SESSION Crown Inn, Colwall, 01684 541074. 2nd Wednesday OPEN MIC White Horse Inn, Clun, 8.30pm onwards. 01588 640305. 2nd & 4th Wednesday TELFORD ACOUSTIC CLUB The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 9pm, 01952 610888. 3rd Wednesday JAZZ AND TAPAS With Mark Latimer. Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368. Fourth Wednesday AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC NIGHT King’s Head, Tenbury Wells. Every Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION Nat and Delia present Duke Joint Jam. Oxford Arms, Kington, 6.30pm, all welcome, 01544 230322. Every Thursday SESSION Black Swan, Much Dewchurch, 01981 540295. First Thursday OPEN MIC King’s Head, Tenbury Wells. First Thursday BLACK HILL TUNE CLUB Longtown, 1.30pm, 01432 263495. 1st Thursday OPEN MUSIC SESSION All styles welcome. The Fforest Inn, Llanfihangel Nant Melan, New Radnor, 8pm, 01544 350526. 1st Thursday FOLK Farmer’s Arms, Wellington Heath, 8pm, 01531 660253. 2nd Thursday OPEN MIC Talbot, West St, Leominster. 2nd Thursday OPEN FOLK SESSION Horse & Jockey, Churchstoke, 8.30pm, all welcome, free, 01588 620060. 3rd Thursday FOLK SESSION King’s Head, Tenbury Wells. 3rd Thursday FOLK DOWN THE TRACK Castle Inn, Knucklas, 7pm, 01547 528223 or 01547 528150. 1st Friday ACOUSTIC SESSION The Blue Boar, Mill St, Ludlow, 8:30pm. Contact: Ann Gray 01584 879 348. 4th Thursday OPEN MIC Crown Inn, Oakengates, Telford, 01952 610888. 2nd Friday OPEN MIC Reet Petite, 18 West St, Leominster, 07484 545368. 2nd Friday BAND BASED OPEN MIC Hosted by Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8pm, 01568 770134. Last Friday TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSION The Yew Tree, All Stretton, 8.30pm, all welcome. Contact Keith 07971 661615. Last Friday OPEN MIC NIGHT With Mark from the Rhythm Thieves. Sun Inn, Leintwardine, 8.30pm, 01568 770134.

VENUES ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Mill Street, Ludlow 01584 878141 BARRELS, St Owen Street, Hereford 01432 274968 BASKERVILLE ARMS, Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye 01497 820670. BASKERVILLE HALL HOTEL, Clyro Court, near Hay-onWye 01497 820033. BELL HOTEL, Commercial St, Newtown 01686 625540 BELL INN, Etnam St, Leominster 01568 616811 THE BRIDGE HOTEL, Tenbury Wells 01584 810434 THE BRIDGE, Ludlow 01584 872963 BLACK LION, Bridge St, Hereford, 01432 266000 CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01597 810192 CENTRE CELF, Tremont Rd, Llandrindod Wells 01597 822777 CHARLTON ARMS, Ludlow, 01584 872813 THE CLIFFE AT DINHAM, Halton Lane, Ludlow 01584 872063 CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard, 01885 488575 THE COURTYARD, Edgar St, Hereford. 01432 340555 THE DUKES ARMS, Presteigne 01544 267318 DUN COW, Shrewsbury 01743 356408 THE EXCHANGE, Newtown 01686 621814. GARWAY VILLAGE HALL, Hereford 01981 580056 THE GEORGE & DRAGON, Knighton 01547 528532 GLEANINGS, near Bishop’s Castle, 01743 891412 THE GLOBE AT HAY, Hay-on-Wye 01497 821762 THE GOLDEN CROSS INN, Sutton St Nicholas, Hereford 01432 880274. GORDON BENNETTS BAR, St Peter’s Square, Hereford, 01432 360250. GRAPE VAULTS, Broad St, Leominster 01568 611404. THE HARP INN, Glasbury-on-Wye 01497 847373 THE HERDSMAN, Widemarsh St, Hereford, 01432 277330 HOPE & ANCHOR, Rope Walk, Wye St, Ross-on-Wye. 01989 563003. HUNDRED HOUSE INN, Purslow, 01588 660541 KNIGHTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, Knighton 07751 221487. THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ, Llandrindod Wells, 01597 825679 LICHFIELD VAULTS, Church St, Hereford. 01432 266821 LION BALLROOM, Broad St, Leominster. 01568 611588 LUDLOW BREWING COMPANY, The Railway Shed, Ludlow 01584 873291 THE MALTHOUSE, Ironbridge, 01952 433712 MINER’S ARMS, Priest Weston 01938 561352 NELSON INN, Ludlow 01584 872908 NORI’S CAFE, 3 Church St, Leominster 01568 612876 OAKENGATES THEATRE, Telford. 01952 619020 THE OLD MILL, High Street, Llanidloes 01686 412008 THE OXFORD ARMS, Duke St, Kington 01544 230322 THE PLOUGH INN, Whitecross Road, Hereford 01432 358867 RED LION, Madley 01981 251696 REET PETITE, 18 West St, Leominster 07484 545368. ROSE & CROWN, Tenbury Wells, 01584 811336 ROYAL FOUNTAIN, Cleobury Mortimer 01299 272720 THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, Canal Wharf, Brecon 01874 611622 THE HAFREN, Llanidloes Road, Newtown 01686 614555 THE TOWN HALL, Bishop’s Castle 01588 630023 THREE TUNS, Bishop’s Castle. 01588 638797 THE VICTORY, 88 St Owen St, Hereford 01432 274998 VOLUNTEER, Harold St, Hereford 01432 276189. WHITEHORSE INN, The Square, Clun. 01588 640305. WHITE SWAN, Eardisland, 01544 388577 WYESIDE ARTS CENTRE, Builth Wells, 01982 552555

band directory APPLEBY KINSEY a contemporary folk and jazz quartet: acoustic guitar, flute, saxophones, double bass, two female vocalists. A large repertoire of original songs from tender, lyrical, slightly dark, to up-tempo latin jazz and folk. Live original music with authenticity and sophistication for events, festivals, weddings, clubs. www.applebykinsey. com or call Ken on 07979 542 449. BACK IN TIME Five-piece 50s and 60s band. Tel: Alan on 01686 627679 or 07580 940006. BANDAMANIA Community band playing wild and wonderful traditional music. Perfect for ceilidhs, parties and all sorts of local events. Sue Harris 01547 550158 sumarieharris@btinternet.com MARTIN BLAKE: Fingerpickin’ good guitar, banjo and vocals in a variety of line-ups from duo to 6 piece, including Whiskey River (5/6 piece electric Swamp Rock band) The Whiskey River Quartet (Acoustic 4 piece version), The Whiskey River Boys (duo version of the same), The Grass Snakes (6 piece Honky-Tonk Bluegrass Band with loads of harmony vocals), and Blakes III, (eclectic long standing trio with clarinet, fiddle, guitar & 3 part harmony vocals) - Pubs, Clubs, Parties, Weddings, Divorces etc. Contact: 07846 669890 or 01432 342018. Email: martin@martinblake.co.uk Website: www.martinblake.co.uk THE BUTCHER’S DOGS - Two crazy, high octane Irish Bluegrass Country Americana Rockabilly loving dudes with a lust for life have guitars, banjos and mandolins to bring a borderland Ho-Down to a place of your choice. Will travel, have played in London, Liverpool, Bristol and Cardiff. Contact Toby 07870 781853, John 01544 230699, email eurolott@tiscali.co.uk CHRISIE J LOCAL VOCALIST! I sing Jazz. Soul, Musical Theatre, Pop and Rock. For more information or to make a booking email chrisiej20@gmail.com or phone 07968 893719. Have a look at my social media for performance videos and more information. Also looking for a band so get in touch if interested. D E C I B E L L E S An a cappella ladies singing ensemble based in the Hay-on-Wye area. Available for parties, concerts, working with you to create a unique musical experience for your occasion. www.decibelles-hay.co.uk 07855 348122. DISKAN Breon-Irish-Balkan music, well established band with wide touring and festival experience, available for gigs, private events, ceilidhs, art’s centre performances. Various formats available (from two to four musicians: flute, fiddle, guitar, bouzouki, double bass, vocals). Follow us on Facebook. Tel: 07588 858010. Email: imiletitch@aol.com FLATWORLD Roots ‘n’ grooves from Eastern Europe and beyond. Lively 5-piece band with magnificent tunes and kicking rhythm for your festival, wedding, party or pub. Also circle dancing with caller. Contact Neil on 01684 569611 or 07866 021489; www.flat-world.org.uk or email info@flat-world.org.uk

THE FORDSONS. The Fordson family present a programme of old-timey, mountain and early bluegrass music - the content is morally good. String band music from the early 20th century - breakdowns, fiddle and banjo tunes and cautionary songs of love and loss. Contact Pa Fordson on 01981 241436 or email thefordsons@gmail.com

GROOVE DYNAMITE ignites the fuse to your dancing shoes! This 8 piece function band brings explosive Soul, Funk and Disco to parties, weddings and special events, packing dance floors across Shropshire and surrounding counties. For bookings/enquiries email groovedynamite@gmail.com, www.groovedynamite.co.uk or 07964 714754. HOT CLIMATE Ultimate party band, best 6-piece line up ever. For top musical entertainment at your party/ wedding/festival or corporate function. Book now! New footage on www.hotclimate.co.uk. Contact Charlie 01568 613895 or mobile 07702 528088 anytime! LITTLE RUMBA A classy four piece band featuring Hugh, John, Jacqui & Pete, from The Tango Band and The Rumbajax, playing moody, melancholy music everything from East European and South American to the Blues. Viola, violin, accordion, saxophones, guitar, vocals and bass. 01547 520339 www.littlerumba.com MELOMANICS Principally a wacky Duo with an amazingly dynamic sound, playing their eclectic and cosmopoloitan repertoire with engaging humour and infectious energy (sustainable). Far more than just great music. And stilts if appropriate. Find out just how much fun a ceilidh really can be. Either with the minimal, but inspirational option of Tim calling and playing, or if really necessary, with a separate caller. Ideal for parties, weddings, fund-raising events, festivals, shows, pubs, restaurants, etc. Scottish, Irish and French-themed specialities (Timoléon pour vos soirées francaises). For info call Tim on 01743 719438, or Rich 01743 718612. Email tim@melomanics.co.uk. Website www.melomanics.co.uk NEW TRICKS Lively 4-piece 60’s, 70’s band playing classic tunes of the era. With some blues/rock and country/rock. Barry 07754 534406 or David 01568 612661. ObScUrE A multi-talented, well-rehearsed fun band. With songs from Kings of Leon, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Stereophonics, Dire Straits, Peter Frampton, Oasis, Beatles, Rolling Stones and more. Blues to Ballads. Rock to Reggae. Soul to Swing. Tenbury Wells based. Tel: 07951 449658. REVEREND FERRIDAY Upbeat One Man Blues Band. Playing driving slide guitar with rockabilly flair, seasoned with a touch of Americana, a mix of stomping originals and traditional classics. Available for all occasions, large or small. Contact the Reverend: 01584 711700 - 07766 185451 - revferriday@gmail.com - www.revferriday.com RHYTHM THIEVES Funky, folky and fun. Firm favourites at festivals, pubs, parties and events around the Midlands and beyond, Rhythm Thieves are a lively must-see band who deliver an unforgettable and highly entertaining night out. “Full of fire and enthusiasm” Mike Harding, BBC Radio 2 “Great, super, lovely - our resident band” Genevieve Tudor. BBC Radio Midlands Folk Show. “If they don’t make you smile, you’re probably dead.” Wheaton Aston Folk Festival Tel: 01568 770 134, e-mail rhythmthieves@hotmail.com SAMBUCA Ludlow based acoustic trio, playing a nice mix of jazz standards, classic blues, sambas etc. For more information call Richard 07974 399524.

SILVER BRANCH (Ceilidh and Concert Band). CEILIDH BAND with caller. Available for weddings/birthday parties/fund raisers, etc. For photos/videos please see our Facebook page. For further enquiries, ring David on 01982 540832 or Anna on 07980 961187. SILVER BRANCH (UN-CALLED FOR) - Five piece cutting edge instrumental Folk Band. Available for concerts/gigs. Tel nos. as above. SIR DANCELOT 4/5 piece ceilidh/twmpath band. Far and away the best exponents of traditional dance music of the British Isles and beyond for miles around and leagues beneath. Concertina, mandolin, fiddles, whistles, cittern, jews harp... Available for weddings, parties and public events. For information and bookings, contact: Cornelius 01686 411147 corns@mousemusic.co.uk or Peter 07561 820509. www.sirdancelot.co.uk SOUL SUPPLY 6-piece soul, Motown and R & B Party Band. Guaranteed to turn your event into a hive of nonstop dance floor activity. Available for weddings, parties and corporate events. Full PA, lights, staging and disco as required. 079905 75531 or 01568 708868 www.soulsupplyband.co.uk info@soulsupplyband.co.uk SLIPPERY SLOPE Silly, melancholy and beautiful music played on accordion, fiddle, guitar and steel pan. From ska to klezmer via a Parisian cafe and a Russian vodka bar. For more info please call Jo or Ben on 01981 510136 see www.slipperyslope.org.uk or email slipperyslope@hotmail.com STONED CHERRIES Are: Dave Evans, guitar, mandolin, vocals; Roger Pugh, guitar, mandola, vocals; Aly May, whistles, vocals and Matt Donaldson, bass, percussion and vocals. A dynamic folk / rock fusion of original, traditional and modern songs and tunes. Roger 01885 483425 / 07779 694615 / pugh@live.co.uk or Dave 01886 822132 / 07817 220016 / dgand2@btinternet.com www.dgand2.wix.com/thestonedcherries

STEADY EDD & THE BOOGIEMEN Boogie Woogie and its best, jazz and soul - let the good times roll! Contact Edd, on 01432 769077, www.steadyedd.co.uk THE LUDLOW JAZZ COLLECTIVE Local Quartet/Quintet with singer if required, playing smooth sounds of well-known standards, Latin and blues. Available for all types of events and celebrations. Contact Paul Brooks 07980 822014. Email pppbrooks@gmail.com THE SULTANA BROTHERS Fine R&B from one of the best bands around! The ultimate hip swingin’, foot tappin’ party band - guaranteed to help you dance the night away. For bookings/enquiries contact Phil 07791 129391 or Adam 07855 037092. Website www.thesultanabrothers. vpweb.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/thesultanabros THE VILLAGE QUIRE spine-tingling harmonies sung with all the emotional clout, subtlety of expression and love of life that you get when voices are raised together in song. Music from and inspired by the folk harmony, west gallery and shape note traditions all woven together with words and stories. Various shows available to book, including ‘Back to the Garden’ – life and hope in the trenches based on original letters from WW1 Herefordshire soldier and gardener William Bevan. “The Village Quire have become one of my favourite singing groups of all time ... (Frank Hennessy, Celtic Heartbeat, Radio Wales). For bookings / further info ring 01497 847676 www.villagequire.org.uk VINTAGE JAZZ REVIVAL Ludlow-based, 6-piece, New Orleans/Trad band. Comprising trumpet, sax, trombone, banjo, tuba and washboard, playing and singing popular foot-tapping songs mostly from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Available for all functions. See us every Tuesday at the Rose and Crown in Ludlow. Tel: Rob 01584 318088, email vintagejazzrevival@gmail.com TRIO TANGENTE Violin and vocal led spicy fun energetic Latin/Tango/Hot Club/ Gypsy influenced band. For all occasions. Contact Faith 07870 320022. XL’S Maximum R ‘n’ B, Feelgood Rock & Roll. 01588 650686.

Band Directory

BROAD

ONLY £40 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR

sheep

SEAN SAYE Great acoustic music for all occasions, easy listening to singalong party. Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Contact tel: 07734 399497 or email seansaye@ yahoo.co.uk. Website www.seansaye.com.

Just post the details of your band (around 40 words) with a cheque for £40 payable to Broad Sheep and post to: The Lodge, Westhide, Hereford, HR1 3RQ You can amend the wording anytime during the year, just call Clare on 01432 850444 or email: info@broadsheep.com

DON’T FORGET... if you have any gigs in the area, email/phone by the 15th of the preceding month for FREE LISTINGS.

theatre PERFORMANCE Thurs 1 - Sat 3 February LAUGHTER IN THE DARK ABERGAVENNY THEATRE GROUP. When a family arrive at the creepy old house of Creeching Cheyney on Christmas Eve to hear the reading of the will before they can take up their inheritance, nothing is quite as it seems. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, 7.30pm, £8.50/£7.50, 01873 850805. Fri 2 February DYLAN THOMAS: CLOWN IN THE MOON This one man show sets some of Dylan’s famous broadcasts and iconic work alongside vivid reminiscences of his own clownish antics in pubs, bars and parties and his encounters with a host of eccentric and volatile women. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £15/£14, 01432 340555. Fri 2 February LUKE JERMAY - SIXTH SENSE He can read your mind... Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01982 552555. Fri 2 February & Thurs 1 March FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Powerful and touching, music and magic realism collide in this darkly funny and moving tour-de-force solo featuring Alex Walton and the voice of comedian Rob Newman. With a blistering Bowie soundtrack, the life of the pop fan is dissected. 2 Feb - Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01584 878141. 1 March - Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £14/£12, 01982 552555. Sat 3 February CANNONBALLISTA PEAK COLLECTIVE present an explosive new solo show by Liz Clarke exploring grief, coping mechanisms and things we do to get us through. Peak Cymru, The Old School, Brecon Rd, Crickhowell, 7pm, £8/£6, 01873 811579. Sat 3 February FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNNIT ROB GEE. Jim’s wife, a patient on a dementia ward has died from what appears to be natural causes. Jim is a retired police detective and he smells a rat... Suitable for ages 14+. Meole Brace Peace Memorial Hall, 8pm, £10, 01743 235384. Arts Alive. Woman of Flowers

Until Sat 3 February TEECHERS BLACKEYED THEATRE revives its highly-acclaimed production of John Godber’s classic comedy about life at a struggling ‘sing school’. Suitable for ages 11+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Thurs matinee 2.30pm, £16.50/£15, 01743 281281. Mon 5 - Sat 10 February THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST THE ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY present this wonderfully witty, deliciously decadent and classic revival by the master of comedy, Oscar Wilde. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7.30pm, Thurs & Sat matinees 2.30pm, £19.50, 01432 340555. Sat 10 & Sun 11 February OUTSIDE THE BOX - A LIVE SHOW ABOUT DEATH FULL CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS. This show confronts the elephant in the room with grace and humour, asking its audience to embrace mortality and look on the bright side of life. 10 Feb - Chapel Lawn Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10, 01547 530871. 11 Feb - Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £10, 01885 488575. Arts Alive. Wed 14 - Fri 16 February DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE BLACKEYED THEATRE. This thrilling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, immerses you in the myth and mystery of 19th century London’s fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Thurs matinee 2.30pm, £16.50/£15, 01743 281281. Tues 20 February WOMAN OF FLOWERS Blodeuwedd isn’t like other women. Conjured from wild flowers by the wizard Gwydion to be the perfect wife for the warrior prince Llew. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £12/£10, 01874 611622. Wed 21 - Sat 24 February TALKING HEADS Alan Bennett’s series of monologues featuring ‘A Chip in the Sugar’; ‘A Lady of Letters’ and ‘A Cream Cracker under the Settee’. Featuring local actors Anne Churchill, Peter Hayter and Sue Hawkins. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 7.30pm, Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £14, 01584 811442. Fri 23 February MORGAN & WEST: TIME-TRAVELLING MAGICIANS A magical extravaganza with a show brimming over with baffling magic and unparalleled precognitive powers. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £14, under 16s £12, 01600 719401. Sat 3 March WOMAN OF FLOWERS TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE CO-PRODUCTION WITH THEATR PENA. A dynamic and visually rich production of a very ancient tale of betrayal and retributuion. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.45pm, £11, 01686 614555.

Eugene Onegin, OperaUpClose

Tues 27 February MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Featuring Cheryl Fergison, Marueen Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley and Hilary O’Neil. Hysterical, all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in a department store. For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4.30pm & 8pm, £29-£26.50, 01743 281281.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE MUSICAL THEATRE & OPERA Thurs 1 - Sat 3 February POPPYFIELDS THE MUSICAL A JOHN HOWARD PRODUCTION. A dramatic love story centred upon four principal characters, who play out their lives against the back-drop of a world at war. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £16, 01743 281281. Wed 7 - Sat 10 February SISTER ACT MONMOUTH MUSIC THEATRE. Delores Van Cartier decides to spice up and energise the bland and tuneless efforts of the choir, resulting in a fast-paced comedy. Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £15/£12, 01600 772467. Thurs 8 February EUGENE ONEGIN OPERAUPCLOSE. Tchaikovsky’s sweeping Eugene Onegin is a coming-of-age story, a requiem for lost innocence and triumphant celebration of hard-won independence. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £22.50-£19.50, 01743 281281. Mon 12 - Thurs 15 February SISTER ACT WBS SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP. High energy journey of singer Deloris Van Cartier on the run from her murdering gangster boyfriend, hiding in a convent. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £10/£8, 01952 728911. Wed 14 - Sat 17 February SISTER ACT GET YOUR WIGLE ON. Based on the hit 1992 film and featuring original music. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed-Sat 7.30pm, Sat matinee 2.30pm, £19-£13, 01743 281281.

Thurs 8 & Fri 9 February DEAR ZOO Best-selling book by Rod Campbell now brought to life on stage. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Fri 9, Sat 10 & Sun 11 February WIND IN THE WILLOW BOXTALE SOUP. A new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic, featuring unique handmade fabric puppets. 9 Feb - Alveley Parish Memorial Hall, 7pm, £8/£5/£25, 01746 780478. 10 Feb - SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £7, family £28, 01588 630321. 11 Feb - Ellesmere College Arts Centre, 2pm, £8/£5/£28, 01691 626545. Arts Alive Sat 10 February POP DIVAS LIVE The best songs from all your favourite female singers in a fabulous fun-packed show for all ages. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 1pm & 6pm, £15, 01743 281281. Thurs 15 - Sun 18 February BEAUTY AND THE BEAST HAPS brings to life this magical tale with plenty of fun, laughter and great tunes along the way. The Courtyard, Hereford, 7pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm, £14/£12, family £45, Thurs eves £10, 01432 340555. Fri 16 - Sun 18 February JACK AND THE BEANS TALK GARLIC THEATRE. Charming and inventive with plenty of interaction, an enormous beanstalk, bags of gold and smelly old giant. Jack and the Beans Talk is a cautionary tale about what might happen if you throw things out of the window! 16 Feb - Fownhope New Memorial Hall, 3.30pm, £5, 01432 860221. 17 Feb - Wem Town Hall, 10am, £7/£5, 01939 232299. 17 Feb - Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, 2.30pm, £5/£25, 01746 718642. 18 Feb - Kingsland Coronation Hall, 2pm, £5, 07905 589830, Arts Alive.

Thurs 22 - Sat 24 February THE DRAGON’S EGG A pantomime written by Jim Smith. Lady Hawkins’ Community Leisure Centre, 7.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm & 7.30pm, £7 adults, £5 for under 16’s available from Tom Bounds Electrical, 01544 231303. Sat 24 February EUGENE ONEGIN MID WALES OPERA. Eugene Onegin combines Pushkin’s compelling and heart-breaking story with Tchaikovsky’s sweeping lyricism in a stunning exploration of love, death, life and convention. Theatr Hafren, Newtown, 7.30pm, £19/£18, 01686 614555.

Jack and the Beans Talk

Sat 17 February THE PIXIES’ SCARF SOAP SOUP THEATRE present a brand new theatrical treat for children and their families, set in the wet craggy lands of Dartmoor. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £7.50, 01432 340555.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, LUDLOW Mon - Go MAD in Ludlow, 5-6.30pm, Oscars. Contact Simon & Suzanne mad@ludproduction.co.uk Sat - Ludwig Academy of Musical Theatre. 7-11 years 1-2pm, 12-16 years 2-3pm. Oscars. Contact Jack Ludwig, 077922 66225. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow.

Sat 17 February THE JUNGLE BOOK IMMERSION THEATRE present a wild musical for all the family with catchy music, audience interaction and a chance to meet the characters after the show. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, £10.50, children £8.50, 01743 281281.

COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD Wed - Courtyard Kids, reception 4.15-5pm, Year 2, 5pm, £63.50 per term. Sat - Junior Youth Theatre. From Year 3 - Year 9, phone for times, £68.50 per term. Wed - Intermediate Youth Theatre. For years 10 & 11, 6pm, £70.50 per term. Fri - Senior Youth Theatre, for ages 16+, 6.30pm, £73.50 per term. Thurs - Courtyard Musical Theatre for ages 11+, 6.30pm, £5 per session. Mons - Drama Tots,10am – 10.45am, Ages 2-4, £4 per session, £1 per extra child. Mon - Bromyard Conquest Kids (Reception & Year 1), 3.45pm, £36 per term. Bromyard Juniors (Year 2-6) 4.30-5.30pm, £39 per term. Bromyard Intermediates (Year 7-9), 6pm, £43 per term. Bromyard Seniors (Ages 14+), 7.30pm, £46 per term. Wed - Kington Juniors (Year 2-6) 4-4.45pm, £36 per term. Kington Intermediates (Year 7- 9), 5pm-6pm, £39 per term. Kington Seniors (Ages 14+) 6pm – 7.30pm, £43 per term The Courtyard, Hereford, 01432 340555.

Mon 19 - Sat 24 February JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ABERGAVENNY PANTOMIME COMPANY. A traditional family pantomime at half term. Borough Theatre, Abergavenny, Mon- Thurs 7pm, Fri 2.30pm & 7pm, Sat 1.30pm & 6pm, £7.50-£5.50, 01873 850805. Thurs 22 - Sat 24 February JACK AND THE BEANSTALK CASTLE PLAYERS PANTO. Fun, frolics, general mayhem and a good sing song. SpArC Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, 7pm, Sat 2pm & 6.30pm, £6, under 18s £4, 01588 630321. Fri 23 February THE AMAZING THING Storyteller, Peter Grimm opens the box to find the ‘Thing’ that takes him on an unusual journey that weaves it’s way through a medley of well known Brother’s Grimm tales. With puppets, acting and live music. Regal Cinema, Tenbury Wells, 1.30pm, £7, 01584 811442.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS Wed 21 February CIRCUS SKILLS With Panic Family Circus. Three Tuns, Bishop’s Castle, 10am-1pm for 4-8 year olds, 2-5m for 8+ years. Free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sat 10 February REACHING OUT WORKSHOP Bromyard Youth Theatre will showcase their latest performance piece by the Conquest Juniors (6-11 years). Afterwards and interactive drama workshop with the cast and audience members from one of our Youth Theatre leaders. The Courtyard, Hereford, 11am, £6, 01432 340555. Sat 24 February MUCH ADO ABOUT WOMEN (IN SHAKESPEARE) Eileen and Tom Baker will be enlightening us about the role of women in Shakespeare’s plays. The Church Barn, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival. com HAVE A GO SHAKESPEARE Fortnightly group sessions for anyone interested in having a go at Shakespeare read, discuss, explore, perform and have fun! Wednesdays - Llandrindod Wells. Thursday - Rhayader. Fridays - Builth Wells. www.shakespearelink.co.uk or call 01597 811487. MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE Tuesdays Junior Youth Theatre 8-11, 4.15pm-5pm. 11-14 years, 5.15pm-6.15pm. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells Senior Youth Theatre 14+ 7pm-9.30pm. The Drama Centre, Llandrindod Wells. Contact Ralph Bolland on 07810 350994.

Mondays BROMYARD YOUTH THEATRE Led by Becky Cook. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard. Ages 4-6. Juniors ages 6-10. Intermediate ages 11-14. All £30 per term. Senior ages 14-18, £35 per term, 01432 340555. Mondays TOTALLY ACTING Do you love acting? Learn the TV, film, stage acting techniques used by professionals. The Appletree Studio, 15 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RU. Contact Rob Ford on 07772 823775, email: robjuckes@yahoo.co.uk THEATR IEUENTID / BRYCHEINIOG YOUTH THEATRE Are you passionate about drama, performing and being involved in theatre? Aged 4 to 25? With weekly sessions tailored to suit the needs of each year group, from 4 years and up, this is a great opportunity to explore and create exciting theatre, develop as a young actor and grow in confidence. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the new Theatr Brycheiniog’s Youth Theatre productions. Theatr Brycheiniog is a member of The National Association of Youth Theatres. Mondays 3.45pm - 4.45pm Roundabout, Reception & Years 1 & 2. Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm Junior Youth, Years 3,4 & 5. Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm Junior Youth, Years 6,7 & 8. Thursdays 8.30pm - 10pm Senior Youth, Years 9, 10 & 11, 16 - 25. Call 01874 611622, www.brycheiniog.co.uk Tuesdays (during term time) PRESTEIGNE YOUTH THEATRE Led by Andrew Sterry, for ages 9-12 years, 4.30pm-6pm. Assembly Rooms, Presteigne, info@midborderarts.com or 01544 267163. Tuesdays YOUTH THEATRE for 7-14 year-olds after school. Ledbury Market Theatre, 01432 383663. Wednesdays KINGTON YOUTH THEATRE Kington Primary School. Wed - Junior 7-11 years, 4-5.30pm. Intermediate 11+ 5.30-7pm. £42 per term, 01432 340555. Thursdays and Saturdays SHROPSHIRE YOUTH THEATRE Providing training in a range of theatre skills for ages 5-25. All abilities welcome. The Hive, Belmont, Shrewsbury. Contact Maggie Love: 07813 026367. Thursdays IMPULSIVE THEATRE COMPANY For ages 13-19. The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, 5-6.45pm, 07916 277928.

word Poetry & Storytelling Tues 6 February POETRY EVENING Local poets, Chris Hall, Patrick Mooney, Allen Fisher and Jim Dening reading. Apple Store Gallery, Rockfield Road, Hereford, 7-8.30pm, £5 on the door to include a glass of wine/juice, 01432 263937. Fri 9 February BLAST STORYTELLING ‘The Green Road’. With Amy Douglas and Lucy Wells. Storytelling, music, song, harmony and humour. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 7.30pm, £7 or £20 for four people, 01588 630023. Wed 21 - Sun 25 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 21 Feb - ‘Land of Giants’, storytelling with Suzanne Tumnus. Methodist Hall, Station St, 10.30am-12pm, free. 21 Feb - ‘Lady Margaret Clive and Friends’, Bob Fowke tells a tale of pagodas and diamonds. The Church Barn, 2.30pm, free. 21 Feb - ‘Re-Stringing the Lyre’ with Roger Garfitt, a celebration of poetry and jazz. Town Hall, 8pm, free. 22 Feb - ‘More Lasting than Bronze, Roman Poetry of the Golden Age’, a talk by David Preshous. The Church Barn, 2pm, free. 22 Feb - Poet’s Corner, supper supplemented by poetry and music. The Castle Hotel, 7.30pm, 01588 620541. Throughout the festival - ‘Risk A Verse?’ Limerick competition at Bank House B & B, free entry, no prizes, just compete for the fun of it, topic: ‘Trump’, deadline 6pm, 24 Feb. Throughout the festival - ‘Poetry in Windows’, local shopkeepers and other gentry will display poems from the Border Poets. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Sophie Willan

Fri 2, 9, 23, Sat 24 March and Fri 6 April WATCHERS OF THE SKIES Written and performed by Carol Florence Graham. The piece tells the story of her American grandmother’s voyage across the Atlantic in 1945 and of a journey of the imagination which led to the discovery of ancient astronomy in Homer’s epic poems. 2 March - Putley Village Hall, near Ledbury, 7.45pm, £8/£6 from www.ticketsource.co.uk or Ledbury Books and Maps. 9 March - Bridgwater Arts Centre. 23 & 24 March - Bolton Little Theatre. 6 April - Llanwarne Village Hall. www.watchersoftheskies.co.uk

Comedy Sat 3 February FARCICAL COMEDY AT THE LEFT BANK Featuring Angelos & Barry - The New Power Generation! The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, £10, 01432 357753. Tues 6 February JIM DAVIDSON - ON THE ROAD AGAIN The comedian returns with a new show which promises to be the antidote to this ‘PC’ world we now live in. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 7.30pm, £24, 01743 281281. Sun 4 February JUNIOR JESTERS Featuring Cerys Nelmes, Dan Nightingale and Alistair Barrie. For children, parents and anyone who likes comedy without the rude words. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 4pm, £7.50, family £25, 01743 281281. Fri 9 & Fri 16 February HEINEKEN COMEDY CLUB Fast witted comedians and a lively atmosphere. The Courtyard, Hereford, 8pm, £12.50, 01432 340555. Fri 16 February ANDY ZALTZMAN: SATIRIST FOR HIRE Savoy Theatre, Monmouth, 8pm, £12, 01600 772467. Mon 19 February MILTON JONES Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 01743 281281. Wed 21 February STEWART LEE: CONTENT PROVIDER For ages 16+. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £24.50, 01743 281281. Fri 23 February COMEDY CLUB Little Wander present Simon Munnery and George Rigden. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 8pm, £10, 01874 611622. Thurs 1 March SOPHIE WILLAN - BRANDED Expect a raucous hour like no other from this unapologetic young powerhouse. Wyeside, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £13/£11, 01982 552555.

Fri 2 March IAIN STIRLING: U OK HUN? X Exploring dinner party etiquette, feminism and the pressures on a generation brought up in a world of instant gratification. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 8pm, £13, 01743 281281.

Andy Kirkpatrick

Sat 10 February MORTIMER HISTORY SOCIETY ‘Medieval Pilgrimage in the Welsh Marches’. Two talks given by Dr Kathryn Hurlock and Dr Harriett Webster. Exploring the role and importance of medieval pilgrimages. St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, 10.30am & 12.30pm, members £8, non-members £12, 01584 831654, www.mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk Sun 11 February DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE “I, The Geologist Darwin’s First Career”. An illustrated lecture by Professor Martin Rudwick. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2.30pm, £12, 01743 281281.

Sun 11 March COMEDY AT THE EDGE Featuring Hardeep Singh Kohli. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, 7.30pm, £14, 01952 728911.

Talks Thurs 1 February MARK ‘BILLY’ BILLINGHAM & JASON ‘FOXY’ FOX Cast of Channel 4’s hit series ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’ for an evening of military tales. For ages 15+. The Left Bank, Bridge St, Hereford, £20 includes welcome drink and meet and greet with the cast, 01989 566317. Proceeds to Hope Support Services. Sun 4 February PROFESSOR ROBERT WINSTON - IMPROVE YOUR LEARNING An illustrated talk highlighting recent research on how valuable learning is and how we can all improve our learning in and out of school. Robert Winston will take a Q & A session at the end of his talk. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2.30pm, £18.50, 01584 878141. Tues 6 February & Tues 6 March THE ARTS SOCIETY : BRECKNOCK 6 Feb - ‘The Paintings and Watercolours of Ireland’, a talk by Tom Duncan. 6 March - ‘Tibet, The Roof of the World’, a talk by Zara Fleming. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 2.30pm, £8, 01874 611622. Tues 6 February LINGEN GARDEN CLUB A talk on ‘Daffodils’. Lingen Village Hall, 7.30pm, £1 members, £4 visitors, 01544 267463. Wed 7, 14 & 28 February, Wed 7 & 14 March LINTON & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY 7 Feb - ‘The Great Offensive, 1918’, a talk by Lt. Col. I Gumm. 14 Feb - ‘General Robert E Lee’, a talk by Mike Stares. 28 Feb - ‘Hereford/Gloucester Canal’, a talk by Nigel Jefferies. 7 March - ‘Why Islam won the Crusades’, a talk by Dr Long. 14 March - ‘The Universe and Us’, a talk by Chris Barnett. Linton Village Hall, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3. Wed 7, 14, 21 February & Wed 14 March GARAGE LECTURE SERIES Meadow Arts and the University of Worcester’s Fine Art department continue their series of artists’ talks. 7 Feb - David Bethell. 14 Feb - Marianna Simnett. 21 Feb Helen Maurer. 14 March - Jasleen Kaur. The Studio, The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester, 4.30-6.30pm, free, but please book, www.meadowarts.org

Mon 12 February ANDY KIRKPATRICK - PSYCHOVERTICAL: A HIGHER EDUCATION Andy will look back at 40 years of climbing and adventures. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 7.30pm, £16, 01874 611622. Tues 13 February & Tues 13 March THE ARTS SOCIETY: HEREFORD 13 Feb - ‘Burlington House & The History of the Royal Academy of Arts’, a talk by Stephen Richardons. 13 March - ‘What Makes a Photograph Unforgettable?’ a talk by Ted St George. The Ballroom, The Green Dragon Hotel, Broad St, Hereford, 2.15pm, £9, 01568 797703. Thurs 15 February THE TRANS AMERICAN TRAIL Geoff McGladdery and John Roach will give an illustrated talk on their journey along the legendary trail. Conquest Theatre, Bromyard, 7.30pm, £5, 01885 488575. Thurs 15 February WIGMORE & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB ‘Renovation of Fishpool Valley on the Croft Castle Estate’, a talk by Imogen Sambrook. Wigmore Village Hall, £2 non-members, 07813 733240. Tues 20 February TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT HUMANISM A talk by Dr Simon Nightingale, who will be considering techniques, tactics and pitfalls when communicating Humanist messages to people of different outlooks. The Friends Meeting House, St Mary’s Lane, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01568 770282. Tues 20 February HAMNISH GARDENING CLUB ‘Unusual Fruit and Vegetables’, a talk by Kev Alviti, horticulturalist. Hamnish Village Hall, near Leominster, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3. Tues 20 February GARWAY HERITAGE GROUP ‘A Brief History of Agriculture in S.W. Herefordshire/S.E Wales’. An illustrated talk by Dr Jonathan Harrington. Garway Village Hall, 7.30pm, 01600 772656. Wed 21 February LEOMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘The Medieval Book’, a talk by Dr Rosemary Firman, the Cathedral Librarian. Grange Court, Leominster, 7.30pm, visitors welcome, £3. Wed 21 February BASINGSTOKE And its contribution to world culture. A talk by Rupert Willoughby. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 2.15pm, £8 on the door.

Wed 21 - Sun 25 February BISHOP’S CASTLE ARTS FESTIVAL 21 Feb - ‘The Role of Teamwork in Asian Textile Art’, illustrated with loads of stunning textiles, Town Hall, 5pm, free. 22 Feb - Bishop’s Castle Arts Society Open Meeting. Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall, 2-4.30pm, free. 22 Feb - ‘Wilderland, Upland & Dip’, a talk by Andrew Fusek Peters. Town Hall, 7.30pm, free. 23 Feb - ‘The Appalachian Mountains in music, culture and my own experience’. A talk by Paul Binding. The Church Barn, 2pm, free. 23 Feb - ‘When Bishop’s Castle Took on the Cold War’. A talk by Gerry Kennedy. The Church Barn, 4pm, free. www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com Fri 23 February DESERT ISLAND PICKS - HORATIO CLARE Multi-award winning author, radio producer and journalist. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £8, 01497 821762. Tues 27 February AN EVENING WITH TOM KERRIDGE Chef to the first pub in the world with two Michelin stars, Tom has a new diet book, ‘Lose Weight for Good’. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7pm, £12, £8 off the book at the event, 01600 719401. Wed 28 February SOUTH WEST SHROPSHIRE GARDENING CLUB ‘Wildlife in the Garden’, a talk by Margaret Herbert. Lydbury North Village Hall, 7.30pm, free to members, £5 visitors, 01588 680454. Fri 2 March ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE John Challis will be spilling the beans about ‘Only Fools and Horses, plus other fellow performers. Blake Theatre, Monmouth, 7.30pm, £18, 01600 719401. Sun 4 March MID WALES STAGES Organised by Newtown & District Automobile Club. The event uses The Hafren as its rally HQ and this will allow anyone who cannot see the crews on the stages to get close to some of the sports cars and competitors at various times over the weekend. Theatr Hafren, 9am, free.

Workshops & Courses Sat 10 & Sun 11 Febrary ANNUAL MEGA BOOK SALE Thousands of second-hand books, CDs and DVDs at great bargins! Oscars and The Studio, Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 10am-4pm. Entry £5 before 11am (Sat only), 50p all other times. Fri 23 February POETRY OUT OF ODDITY: THE WUNDERKAMMER Workshop with Jean Atkin: making poems from the contents of cupboards of marvels. Bank House B & B, Bishop’s Castle, 10.30am-12pm, £5 including tea/coffee, please book, togerrybarwell@icloud.com www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com STORY SPACE - Storytelling Workshops and also Creative Writing; Coaching; CPD Training for Educators, and group or individual tuition in Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing. www.storyspace.co.uk or email info.storyspace@gmail.com

March WEA COURSES AND STUDY DAYS 3 March - A Day with Diertrich - Her Life and Films, with Catherine Constable. Market Theatre, Ledbury, 10.30am-4.30pm, £20. 5 March - The Wandering Manuscripts, with Rosemary Firman. Hereford Cathedral Library, 10am-12.30pm. 8 March - Dress and the Rural Idyll with Althea MacKenzie. Hereford Museum & Resource Learning Centre, 58 Friars St, Hereford, 10am-12pm, £10. Enquiries: wealeominster@gmail.com. Brochures available at Herefordshire Libraries or phone 0300 303 3464, www.wea.org.uk 2nd & 4th Saturdays WELSH CHATTING GROUP CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 10.15am-11.45am, 01597 810741. Every 2nd & 4th Monday TERRIFIED AND TONGUE TIED? Toastmaster provide a friendly and supportive environment to practice public speaking. Constructive feedback to help you improve. An opportunity to grow. Ludlow Speakers, Blue Boar pub, Mill Street, Ludlow. Monthly, 7.20pm-9.30pm. Mondays STORY CORNER AT THE COURTYARD For ages 4 years and under. The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.15am-11am, £4 per session, £1 per extra child, 01432 340555. Mondays WRITING FOR THE STAGE The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, 01432 340555. Every Tues READING ROOM The Courtyard, Hereford, 10.30am-12.30pm, £52 per term, 01432 340555. Second Tuesday DEATH CAFE Run by Mollie Lord. Not to be confused with grief support group, this group encourages tackling the complex ideas that surround death. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, free, 01497 821762. Every 3rd Tuesday PLAY READING Led by Simon and Paul of Rooftop Theatre. All scripts provided. The Sitting Room, Ludlow, 7.30pm, email paul@rooftoptheatre.co.uk Fourth Tuesday SCIENCE CAFÉ New, informal group discussing scientific topics. The Globe in Hay, 7pm, free, all welcome. Contact sciencecafe@outlook.com First Wednesday of the month POETRY CAFE, Charlton Arms, Ludlow, 7.30pm, 01584 872813. 2nd Wed of each month MID WALES WRITERS GROUP An informal writers’ group for wordsmiths of all kinds. Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells, 7.30pm, £2.50, 01982 552555. 2nd & 4th Thursday PHILOSOPHY CAFE Informal group which offers the chance to discuss philosophical issues. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7pm, 01497 821762. International Poetry Writers’ Collective: Abergavenny 01873 856350 Leominster Writers' Circle, Leominster Community Centre, 01568 610451. Presteigne Writers’ Circle, Radnorshire Arms, Presteigne 3rd Tues, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. 01544 260255 Tenbury Writers’ Group 2nd Tues, 7:30pm. The Kings Head, Cross St. 07400 084794. Border Poets 01547 530380.

grass roots The big heat – turning down the gas and switching it off! D

O YOU know what you were doing on December 10th? That date is firmly lodged in my memory. In my street the snow was well over a foot deep. It didn’t stop falling for over 24 hours. Nobody even tried to move a car or a bike for days.

I have often mentally thanked a higher being, and of course my landlady Susie, for providing me with gas heating that works. But, fortunate as I may be, I am part of a big British problem. For about 85% of us are addicted to natural gas, whose greenhouse emissions are doing serious damage to the climate. After the era of wood and coal fires, and messy paraffin stoves, the advent of North Sea gas in the 1960s seemed to consign home heating problems to the past. But that gas is now running down. And, even if it weren’t, we would still have to tackle its greenhouse emissions. When it comes to curbing global warming by taking steps in our own homes, we tend to think first of de-carbonising electricity - fitting low wattage lighting and so on. As for the power companies, after a decade or two of resistance, most have, in this century, got with the programme - more wind and solar and a farewell to coal. The greening of electricity generation in Britain has gathered huge pace in the last three years. In 2017 fossil fuels took a hammering in the power sector and renewables forged ahead, breaking records on the way. But 40% of our home energy consumption goes on heating and hot water. And decarbonising those may be a much harder task. Nevertheless, the government is bent on making deep cuts in the greenhouse gas emissions due to heating as well. Across the board in energy, the UK, to meet its own targets, is pledged to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050, against 1990 levels. Several million people in fuel poverty clearly need help with their swingeing energy bills. And many of those living in the 15% of homes not on mains gas, who depend on oil, wood burners and so on, also deserve something better. But we all need to face up to the crunch that is coming on heating. Only those with sustainable heating systems, such as ground-source or air-source heat pumps, can afford to be complacent. Don’t ask me how a heat pump works! I haven’t the foggiest idea. However, I’m told they can provide adequate warmth in well insulated homes, without burning fossil fuels.

But how many of us are actually installing low carbon heating? Worcester Bosch, a company selling half a million gas boilers annually, also makes heat pumps. But its sales of those are almost negligible in comparison. It is shifting just 12,700 heat pumps a year.

At its sizeable factory near the M5, Worcester Bosch’s head of sustainable development, Neil Schofield, told me, “If we relied on heat pump sales, we could work out of a lock-up garage!” One cause of these low sales is Britain’s notoriously draughty housing stock. Heat pumps are said to work well only in homes that don’t let the heat escape in all directions. However, it seems that even brand new homes are still being built without enough insulation, crazy as that may sound. Worcester Bosch says that, to put this right, changes to the building regulations were planned for 2016. These would have brought new homes almost up to zero carbon standards. But, after lobbying by the big home builders, this vital change was apparently shelved. So, how does the government plan to decarbonise home heating? It has opted for electrification. But this is a gigantic task because up to now electricity has been used to power only 7% of our heating and hot water. A briefing paper from the home heating industry judges that to persuade UK households to remove all gas appliances and install electric throughout is “…a huge challenge and one that is looking increasingly unrealistic.” In that case, can we just wing it with gas for another 20 years and hope something else turns up? In a word, no. That is the sense of a new study by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. It predicts the target in the Paris Climate Accord of limiting global warming to 2 degrees C will be missed by a long way unless the use of natural gas is cut fast now and ended totally by 2035. All in all, it seems that the Tyndall Centre scientists are not exactly raising a cheer for fracking! And they imply that Paris is a dead duck unless we and other countries act very fast to consign our gas fired central heating to the scrap heap - sorry I mean the recycling centre! Julian O’Halloran

Green Events February HEREFORDSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST 1 Feb - The Herefordshire Woodland Bat Project. A talk by Denise Foster. Hopelands, Weobley Village Hall, 7.30pm, £3 non-members. 1 Feb - Moles. A talk by Dr Rob Atkinson. Christ Church Hall, Ross-on-Wye, 7.30pm, £3 non-members. 3 Feb - Outdoor Fire Session Workshop. Learn how to start a fire and then get to cook on it, 11am, £6, 01432 340555. 4 Feb - Wildlife Watch Club: Animal Trackers. For ages 7-14 years. Queenswood Country Park, near Leominster, 12.30-2.30pm, £2. 7 Feb - Go Toads 2018 Introductory Meeting. Queenswood Country Park, near Leominster, 7-8.30pm. 22 Feb - Seasons in Wyre, a talk by Sylvia Sheldon. Aymestrey Village Hall, 7.30pm, £3 non-members. 27 Feb - The Changing Face of Farming. A talk by Patrick Wrixon. Kington Primary School, 7.30pm, £3 non-members. Full details 01432 356872. February KNIGHTON TREE ALLOTMENTS TRUST KTAT manages woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and our members. Volunteer with us to learn about woodland management, coppicing, using hand-tools and associated skills such as preparing, storing and seasoning firewood. 4, 8 Feb - Cutting felled trees and extracting for firewood, nr. Knighton. 10, 24 Feb - Tree planting nr. Knighton / Beggar’s Bush. 18, 22 Feb - Coppicing hazel & thinning birch, Beggar’s Bush. For more information please contact: woodland@tveg.org.uk 01547 520374 http://tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project

February SHROPSHIRE HILLS DISCOVERY CENTRE 4 Feb - Become a Habitat Helper! With Amanda Apps. All ages and abilities welcome. 19 - 23 Feb - Hogweed’s School of Magic. Half term fun for ages 4-11 year olds, 1-2.30pm, £4. Spaces limited so please book. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, 01588 676060. Thurs 1 February GREENPEACE TALK Activists talk about their experiences volunteering for Greenpeace and invite you to join them. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 8pm, £2, 01497 821762. Sat 3 February HEREFORD SEED SWAP Stalls, a talk by Chris Collins at 11.30am, tool sharpening. Tools for Self Reliance and more. The Courtyard, Hereford, free, contributions gratefully received! www.swapseeds.org.uk 01531 671004. Sat 10 February SEED SWAP The Priory Leominster, 10am-1pm, refreshments and local produce, gardening advice - bring your seeds and try some new varieties. Sat 10 February SYMPHONY OF THE SOIL An innovative documentary feature film exploring the complexity and mystery of soil, using a blend of art and science. Followed by Q & A. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 10.30am, £4 in advance, £5 on the door, 01547 550377. Thurs 15 February ECO SPIRIT CAFE An informal monthly meeting for people interested in spirituality and connection to the environment. Stimulating short film, friendly discussion. All welcome. The Globe, Hay-on-Wye, 7.30pm, free, 01497 821762. Sat 24 February KNIGHTON SEED SWAP Teme Valley Environment Group. Knighton Community Market, Community Centre, Knighton. Further information email sheila_clarke@hotmail.com Sun 4 March GRAFTING DAY COURSE Led by Janta Wheelhouse. 10.0am-4pm. Karuna, Picklescott, Church Stretton, SY6 6NT, £45, including two newly grafted trees, hot soup & bread and refreshments, also covers apple tree care. Advance Booking only : karuna.org.uk 01694-751374, merav66@hotmail.com

complementary therapies Disclaimer. We would like to emphasise that these listings relate to COMPLEMENTARY medicine practitioners. Broad Sheep does not endorse any of the practitioners or healing methods listed. We provide no recommendation and take no responsibility for their content.

ACUPUNCTURE & HOLISTIC THERAPY with Joanna Bruce RGN. Over 30 years experience treating chronic pain, allergies & longterm health conditions. Cosmetic acupuncture also available. Sessions available at Leominster Osteopaths & in Kingsland. Registered & insured with BAcC & NMC. Tel: 01568 709142 or text 07984 460969. ACUPUNCTURE. Sandy Sandaver Lic Ac MBAcC. I practice an integrated style of acupuncture using 5 element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and am a member of the British Acupuncture Council. I also carry out home visits. Hay Acupuncture Clinic, Rose Cottage, Cusop Dingle, Hay-On-Wye 01497 821625/07980 596218 sandysandaver@onetel.com or www.hayacupunctureclinic.co.uk ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Leominster HR6 8QJ. Individual lessons with Janet Jameson MSTAT. 01568 613467. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE in Hereford. Individual lessons and small groups with Ann Rowan MSTAT. BA. ARCM, 01432 279536. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE IN HAY-ON-WYE. Philippa Morrell BA, Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. Please visit my website for more information about me and the Alexander Technique, www.philippamorrell. co.uk. To make an appointment contact me online at philippa@philippamorrell.co.uk, or ring 01497 821355. ALLERGY &/OR FOOD INTOLERANCES? Find out the complete picture by having a blood test to help you make the best choices for your health. Enquiries: 01568 709142. AROMATHERAPY in Kington: Roz Myers Brown, Dip. Ar. IPTI, MIPTI. Roviding holistic care since 1988. Massage, herbal facials and intensive foot treatments. Bach Remedies. Roz.brown@btinternet.com. 07967 137208. BOWEN TECHNIQUE Bowen is a holistic, non invasive therapy consisting of gentle moves over soft tissue and muscles, interspersed with periods of rest. Suitable for adults and children. Working from clinics in Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. Home visits available. Contact ROB ROWE MBTPA tel: 01588 630648, email rob@robrowe.co.uk or learn more at www.bowentherapy.org.uk BREAKING OUT OF BIPOLAR COACHING Book your complimentary strategy session to see how you can break through after your life transition. For more information or to book your strategy session contact Caroline on: www. Carolinemaryandrews.com, journeytofreedomcoaching@gmail. com 07749 232366. CHARTERED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & REGISTERED PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST With over 20 years professional NHS experience. Help with difficulties including: depression, anxiety, OCD, panic, eating disorders, trauma, sexual abuse, self-esteem, work stress, adjusting to change, losses or disability, parenting problems, health related fears, personality issues, self-harm, bi-polar, relationship difficulties and more, please ask. I also offer supervision to mental health professionals. I am highly trained and experienced in using evidence–based psychotherapies to relieve distress and help you achieve your life goals. I now offer sessions in Ludlow and Leintwardine. Please contact me by email mfaull@btinternet.com, to arrange a free initial phone conversation to consider your needs. Registered with British Psychological Society, British Psychoanalytic Council, Health Professions Council.

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY Specialist in treating & assessing children & young people with mental health or behavioural issues or dealing with distressing situations. I also offer support to parents, carers and adopters (providing them with a space to think separately about their children) or work with parents/carers and children together. I am also able to help mothers and babies with attachment issues. I can provide supervision to other therapists, consultations and training to professionals. I can provide services at the Family Place in Hay-on-Wye and Hereford, I can provide services throughout the area. ACP accredited. Valérie Mortin BSc. 07961 885646 or Email: vivalavie@yahoo.com COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (CBT), COUNSELLING AND COUPLE COUNSELLING Hello! CBT can work well for depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, anger, phobias, self-harm, eating disorders, low self-esteem and more. I also offer counselling for most issues, including sexuality, bereavement and past sexual abuse. Couple counselling is available and counselling for those who have problems concerning self-esteem, relationships or lack of them. Contact Gail Venables MBACP (Accred) on 01544 350384 or www. cbtgail.co.uk for sessions in Leominster and New Radnor COUNSELLING IN LUDLOW area. Talk in complete confidence, with warmth and without judgement, with Julia Walling BA(Hons), PGCE, Dip.EH.P.NLP (BHR), MAC. In private practice for 25 years, I am trained in a wide variety of therapies and combine them to meet your needs. Clients consistently report improvements in wellbeing within a few sessions. Panic/anxiety specialist. Short and long term for individuals, couples and families. 01584 874636 07796 596451 julia.walling@btinternet.com and www.juliawalling.co.uk COUNSELLING & MINDFULNESS COACHING with Matthew Ward MBACP, Accredited Mindfulness Trainer. I provide a safe and confidential counselling service to explore the challenges that life can bring such as loss and anxiety. I also offer individual mindfulness coaching and run regular courses locally. 01568 708836 or 07982 466224 marchesmindfulness.co.uk CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with Jess Pailthorpe RCST. Safe, effective, light-touch treatments to help you heal & repair. Muscle/joint problems, stress, anxiety, fatigue, trauma….Clinics in Leominster Osteopaths and Kingsland. Phone for more info: 07981 866 667 / www.touchtreetherapy.co.uk DRUM MANTRA MEDITATE Lead by Roise (roe-sha) On the first Thursday of the month 9.50am - 11am. £8 It’s fun, it energises the body and calms the mind. Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells EMOTIONAL THERAPY: Anne Cummings MFETC (Adv Dip) offers this safe, effective therapy to help adults and children heal their spiritual wounds and fulfil their personal potential. If you have difficulty relating to others, or have troublesome emotions call Anne on 01547 530977. Specialist knowledge and experience of working with sufferers of panic attacks, anger, stress, bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement/ loss, anxiety and attachment issues. Centres in Powys/south Shropshire. See also www.thewritetofeel.com for forthcoming workshops and talks.

HEALING in Bishops Castle. Soul Healing can help you create Positive Change by removing energy blockages which may be causing physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties. Contact Philomena Houlihan-Wood B.A. (Dublin), Cert. E.S.H., Dip. Counselling (Wales). Tel: 01588 638242. Email: philomena@soul-healing.net. Web: www.soul-healing.net HEREFORD HOMEOPATH Juliet Ablett RHom, MARH, MNCHM. Experienced practitioner works with you as an individual, listening without judgement; working with whatever symptoms or issues you have. Natural, effective treatment suitable for all ages. I am very happy to chat with you on the phone about what treatment you are looking for before you commit to an appointment. Weekly clinics at Hereford Centre for Natural Health and Monmouth Natural Health Centre. Juliet Ablett www.julietablett.co.uk julietablett@rocketmail.com 01981 241456 HOMOEOPATHY Sandy Underhill RSHom. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural system of healing. Based on their individual symptoms, the homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient. Clinics in Llandrindod Wells, Kington and Presteigne. 01597 851021. KAY FLETCHER COUNSELLING, BAHons, FdSc Counselling, Reg. MBACP. As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I offer confidential counselling to children from my private practice in Leintwardine, or in schools locally, and also to adults and couples. I am trained to offer a range of holistic therapies including Life Coaching, Energy Healing and Hypnotherapy, which can help with stress, relaxation and decision making processes. For a friendly chat about how I may be able to help you, or to book an appointment, please contact me on 01547 540899, email kay@kayfletchercounselling.co.uk or visit www.kayfletchercounselling.co.uk LEOMINSTER NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE: Qualified therapists offer acupuncture, structural re-alignment, medical herbal medicine, remedial and holistic massage, reflexology, McTimoney chiropractor, craniosacral therapy, reiki, psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour and couple counselling, hypnotherapy, health kinesiology, nutrition at the Leominster Natural Health Centre, Community Centre, Leominster, 01568 616411, www.leominstercommunitycentre.com. MASSAGE THERAPY Injuries, stress, relaxation. Claire Williams I.T.E.C. / N.I.M. 01544 267172. Clinics in Presteigne, Ludlow and Hereford. MASSAGE THERAPY WITH MARIAN HARDIMAN (MTI, CNHC, MLDUK). Remedial, Sports, Holistic, Indian Head Massage. Organic Facial and Manual Lymph Drainage. Clinics in Presteigne (The Retreat) and Llandrindod Wells (Rock Park) or at your workplace or event. Contact: marian@ silvanmassage.com, www.silvanmassage.com, 07816 981454.

PHYSIOTHERAPY, CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY, REFLEXOLOGY & YOGA with Hermione Evans, Chartered Physiotherapist at Radnor Physiotherapy. For all back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, RSI, stress related illness and more. To discuss your needs or to make an appointment, please phone 01544 350691 or email contact@radnorphysiotherapy. co.uk or view www.radnorphysiotherapy.co.uk PRESTEIGNE NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE Offers a wide range of Natural therapies including: Osteopathy, Chiropody, Acupuncture, Remedial & Swedish massage, Reiki, Homeopathy, Emmett Technique, Kinesiology, Reflexology, Bowen Technique, Counselling, Cranio Sacral Therapy. Visit our website www.presteignenhc.com or facebook page. To make an appointment, call the therapist - numbers on the website or email pnhc2014@gmail.com REFLEXOLOGY &/OR MASSAGE Combination treatments available. Reflexology helps to identify and restore energy to imbalances and health issues helping the body to heal itself, helps regulate sleep and eating habits. - Jo Davies ITEC 01544 267100 or 07876796885. Clinic in Presteigne, home visits considered.

YOGA IN PRESTEIGNE New location

Group classes and individual tuition Stapleton Yoga Studio Marie Hudson 01544 260352

www.theyogapractice.org.uk

Call us now on 01568 610610 web: www.leominsterosteopaths.co.uk email: enquiries@leominsterosteopaths.co.uk Westbury Court, Westbury Street, Leominster, HR6 8NT (opposite the bus station)

RELAXING, RESTORATIVE MASSAGE in Mid Wales and beyond for stress, anxiety, illness or bereavement with Kirsten Hubmann (MTI) qualified Holistic Massage Therapist at The Retreat, The Workhouse, Presteigne Industrial Estate, LD8 2UF. Contact 07860 156615, khubmann@hotmail.com for enquiries or to book a treatment. RELAX & RECHARGE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Are you a caring person who has an overwhelming need to help others but you are fed up of feeling overwhelmed, stressed and tired all the time and like you’re running on empty but can’t stop? Afraid of BURN OUT because you have nothing in reserve anymore and powerless to change anything? Then you are invited to come along to weekly meetings where I will be your guide: Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm £10; And/ or monthly, Second Monday each month 10am to 1pm, £30. You will then: understand why Self Care is a necessity, not a luxury; find yourself surrounded by people just like you who also care deeply and need to take better care of themselves first and together you’ll feel more supported, increase your energy, inner peace and well-being and feel more like yourself again and give yourself permission to relax, recharge and reflect. Sound good? Contact me: 01568 709194/07792 256 451 or email: karenrobinson67@live.co.uk. www.karen-robinson.com SMALL GROUP PILATES LESSONS with Body Control Pilates teacher Jane Prady. For posture, stability, flexibility and relaxation. Classes available in Presteigne, Bartestree, Burghill & Bransford. All equipment provided. Private lessons can also be arranged. Booking essential as spaces are limited. Please email for more information info@janeprady.com or visit www.janepradypilates.com. SOUND BATH WITH ROISE (roe-sha) On the third Tuesday of the month 7 - 9 pm. Roise plays gentle sounds for groups for healing and relaxation. £12, or £10 with a friend. Roise also offers individual treatments. Phone 07511 621 856. At S.E.N.S.E. in Tenbury Wells. SOUND HEALING TRAINING AND WORKSHOP RETREATS We run the 5 part Sound Therapy training programme for the College of Sound Healing as weekend retreats in the beautiful setting of Primrose Haven with lovely gardens and sacred spaces. Also Seasonal Sounds Days and weekend retreats: Sound Healing and Nature; Magical Resonance of Celtic Sounds and Sound and gardening for the soul. Retreat stays in our cosy Shepherd Huts. Occasional evening sound and Gong meditations. Please contact Paul Benham, paul@primrosehavenretreats.co.uk and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk. 01497 847299. SPIRITUAL HEALER Naturally gifted in releasing emotional grief in present and past lives. 26 years professional experience with physical and mental health. Private healing sessions and talks given. Gillian Williamson, MNFSH. Field House, Kinnerton. 01547 560874.

Workshops

WORKSHOP LISTINGS - Single (dated) listings are free. Year round, ongoing workshops will cost £40 per year.

Fri 2 February SILENCE AND STILLNESS Find your inner calm and power from practising silence and stillness. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12pm, payment by donation, 01547 550377.

Sat 3 February MEDITATION Guided meditation, led by two experienced teachers. Firsttimers and experienced meditators welcome. Bleddfa Centre, near Knighton, 11am-12.30pm, payment by donation, 01547 550377.

Sat 3 February & Sat 3 March EMPOWER YOURSELF Workshops for women. Jess is a Chartered Psychologist and has been helping to boost women’s confidence for over ten years. Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, 10am-1pm, £30, 01584 878141.

Sun 4 February THIS HEALING PLACE A Sound Journey to Source. Experience the power of the Earth’s source through a range of musical instruments from across the world. Bring yoga mat or blanket. Town Hall, Bishop’s Castle, 2pm, £5, 01588 630023. Starting fortnightly from Tues 6 February EMERGING KIND PEER SUPPORT GROUP The Herb Garden, Llandrindod Wells, part of the Emerging Proud campaign (www,emergingproud.com). Have you experienced Spiritual phenomena and would like to share your experiences in a supportive and safe environment with others like you? Join us every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 6.30-9pm £1 donation. For more information contact Caroline 07749 232366 carolinemaryandrews@hotmail.com Starting Wed 14 February INTRODUCTION TO ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE This course (small group) will provide you with awareness & understanding. Enquiries & booking (also future dates/times to suit you?) - contact Hilary Foxwell 01584 819010.

Fri 2 - Sun 4 March YOGA WEEKEND With Vicky Wood. Hill Cottage Retreat, Rhos-y-Meirch, Knighton, www.hillcottageretreats.co.uk

Fri 2 - Sun 4 March PART 1 SOUND HEALING TRAINING RETREAT with the College of Sound Healing at Primrose Haven, Felindre, 2-4th March, providing an in depth introduction to Sound Healing with the voice. Please contact Paul : paul. benham33@gmail.com and www.primrosehavenretreats.co.uk

BUDDHISM AND MEDITATION CLASSES IN HEREFORDSHIRE Led by members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. HEREFORD Mondays, Near LEDBURY Wednesdays, LEOMINSTER Thursdays. All classes 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Give what you can, suggested donation £5. All welcome. More details from matthew@adhisthana.org 01531 641726 or Meg 01432 830322. Text 07980 892653.

HEDGEROW MEDICINE, KITCHEN PHARMACY: Herbal Medicine Making Courses with Rowan McOnegal, Medical Herbalist. Practical weekend courses which explore identifying, growing, harvesting, drying, storing and using herbs. Covers the basic principles of herbal medicine, and making and using teas, tinctures, infused oils, ointments, creams, syrups, inhalations and baths. www.rowanmconegal.co.uk or 01531 670075. EVENTS IN THE YURT BUILTH ROAD, 17 RAILWAY TERRACE, LD2 3RH Drum and Song Circle 1st Friday of the month 7.30-9.30pm Bring drums, rattles, songs, no experience necessary. Shamanic Exploration 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm journeying for guidance, wisdom and healing for self and others. Our groups are held in sacred space. Cost is £10, £8, £6 depending on income. For further info clivephilippa@hotmail.com 01982 552535 / 07905 743272. Mondays & Wednesdays PILATES Pilates-Based Back Care Mon 10.30am & Wed 5.45pm. Pilates-Based Body Conditioning - Mon 11.45am & Wed 7pm. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, 01874 625992. Mondays YOGA With Lisa Arundale, 5.15-6.15pm. CARAD, East St, Rhayader, 01686 413608.

Wednesdays KUNDALINI YOGA AND MEDITATION CLASSES 9.30-11am, The Everest Hall, Llanfairwaterdine. £7 a class. Everyone welcome. Suitable for beginners. Please bring water, blanket, cushion and yoga mat if you have one. Contact Kirsten for enquiries, 07860156615 / khubmann@hotmail.com